What Makes Someone a Great Coach?

There are many theories in the World of Coaching.  One that I have found to be true is the Three Run Theory.  This theory is based on the belief that if your team has a great coach, your team will begin the game winning 3-0 based on preparation, practice organization, teaching methods, etc.  If you have a good to average coach, 0-0, and if you have a bad coach, your team will start the game down 3-0, which we all know is a very difficult starting point to overcome.

But what makes someone a great coach?  Is it experience?  Is it his or her ability to communicate well with their players?  Is it their innate ability to motivate, both through hugs for some and a kick in the rear for others (and knowing when and with who to use both methods)? 

The truth is in order to be a great coach, you only have to accomplish three things.  1) Always prepare your team for any and all situations that could arise in a game, 2) Always put your kids in a position to succeed, and 3) Always be fair and honest.  If you accomplish these three things, wins will follow and your reputation as a coach will grow.

We are all products of our environment, which basically means in the baseball world, we coach the way we were taught.  If you were fortunate enough to play for a Hall of Fame Coach, odds are you understand the game on a totally different level than someone who didn't.  I would be willing to bet your practices are well planned, your teams are prepared, and your won-lost record is impressive.

Unfortunately though, most parents, players, and coaches are not able to draw on experience beyond the high school level. Their heart is in the right place, but they may not know tips and drills which can be both fun and educational.  As a result, I wanted to recommend a product for those parents who want the best for their sons and daughters, but again, may have limited experience in the Coaching Box.

http://www.coachdeck.com/ is a 52-card collection of excellent drills that any coach from Little League to High School would consider an asset.  You don't have to be Tommy Lasorda to correctly teach swing fundamentals, how to turn a double play, or how to be a great coach.  You just need to be willing to adapt, willing to listen and willing to understand that in this game, we can always learn something new.