Why Coaches Lose Sleep

“Control what you can control.” Coaches, like players, control their attitude, choices, and effort.

We know that emotional intelligence parallels performance. EQ includes self-awareness (especially strengths, weaknesses, and resources), self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social interaction. Coaches blend task orientation with relationships to add value, get ‘buy-in’ and foster growth through culture, mindset, and mentoring. 

Influencing players’ controllables separates excellence from mediocrity. 

Academics. “There is no ability without eligibility.” Fortunately, Melrose players have a tradition of academic excellence. 

Attitude. Weisinger and Pawliw-Fry preach establishing a metaphorical COTE of armor - confidence, optimism, tenacity, and enthusiasm. “The magic is in the work” and Coach Scott Celli praises the work of this season’s team. 

Choices. The emotional intelligence discussed above includes both internal and external domains. How we treat teammates under stress (empathy) and limit drama (social interaction) often defines team success. Self-regulation informs our rest, nutrition, and personal discipline. Breakdowns such as alcohol use can destroy individuals and teams. Placing personal goals ahead of team success defines lapses in self-regulation and social intelligence. “It’s the scoreboard not the scorebook” that matters. The court is the coach’s classroom and laboratory but less than ten percent of the players’ lives.

Effort. How do we measure maximum effort? At the University of Kentucky, John Calipari measures players’ heart rates at practice. High effort players use a higher percentage of their peak heart rate. Experienced coaches sense when players and teams have their feet off the gas pedal. What coaches can’t always know is the distractions. 

Outside forces. In some sports and programs, external influences like media, associates’ voices (you aren’t getting ‘your’ minutes, sets, touches), or recruitment (poaching) change the dynamic of teams and programs. Sports like Melrose volleyball and Reading hockey have kept the poachers on the fringe. 

Melrose has again flourished with coaching and senior leadership in 2017. Control what you can and the coaches will sleep well.