More Coaching Insight From Jocko Willink (Extreme Ownership) and Others

Respect helps people prosper on multiple levels. People work harder and feel better about themselves when respected. Respect your parents, respect your coaches, respect your teammates, respect opponents and officials.

Relationships define coaching. Oversimplify coaching by defining coaches as relationship-oriented (players' coaches) or task-oriented (hard guys). 

I worked to greet every player by name each practice. That reminds me of the Swahili greeting "sawubona" meaning "I see you."   

Willink emphasizes listening. Mutual participation happens when players listen to coaches and vice versa. 

In The Bear, Coach Mike Krzyzewski says, "Learn how to listen. You're not going to learn with you just talking." 

Trust takes time. It builds when the coach adds value through skill, strategy, and athletic development. When players know and execute their roles, they earn coaching trust. 

Lagniappe.  Make practice hard so games are easier. 

• Practice against blockers.
• Avoid easy mistakes.
• Practice imperfect situations.