A Simple Way to Encourage Players to Become Leaders

In Today's Blog Post--Paul Lubanski Offers Coaches A Simple Yet Extremely Effective Way To Consistently Encourage ALL Players To Become LEADERS Both ON And Off The Surface--IT IS A MUST READ...

By Paul Lubanski

If I was coaching a youth hockey team currently, I would place a capital "L" on each of my players sweaters.

The "L" simply stands for "LEADER."

What better methodology exists for teaching and  encouraging the sort of play (and off-ice behavior) that exemplifies the true spirit of what it means to be part of a team? Of course, the question posed was rhetorical in-nature.

Because I really do not believe there is one.

You see, to me--to "LEAD" means the following:

L --  LINKING
E --  EFFORT
A --  AND
D --  DETERMINATION

Placing a capital "L" on each and EVERY players jersey would be a constant reminder that you as a coach, expect all of the team--regardless of their individual/perceived role--to compete and behave in a manner that exudes respect and discipline.

And all players are capable of LEADING. Trust me on that one. You just have to give them the opportunity.



In my many years of coaching, I have been pleasantly surprised on a number of occasions by remarkable youngsters that came through under extraordinary circumstances. Specifically, these were young players that were not the largest, strongest, fastest or most skilled. But they came through in key situations because I--and their teammates--consistently showed great inspiration and support for their abilities during practice and within our off-ice activities.

If you really stop and ponder it, as a coach, you would also be helping to set the your youngsters on a likely path toward a more accomplished "real-world" life as well.

Why?

Because if you accept my definition of "LEAD," you are educating and instilling pride in each of their thought-patterns and overall view of themselves.

Now that is TRULY SUCCESSFUL coaching!

Don't you agree?

Best of luck.

Follow Paul on Twitter and Facebook.


BONUS TIPS:

* The "L" will foster and provide any coach with incredible "teachable moments." For example, if one of your players takes an unnecessary and/or lazy penalty at a most inopportune time, the question would obviously be "was that an action befitting of a LEADER on this club/"L" on your chest?"

** Yes, by rule there would still need to be a "C" on one of your players jersey's every contest. However, I would suggest rotating that very special responsibility throughout the season in order to gage who may be most mature and deserving as your playoffs begin. The key is to NOT to insinuate that the "C" reflects more than it is in my proposed scenario. Meaning, that the wearing of the "C" only says that that particular player can interact with game officials on behalf of the team/coaching staff.


Want To Connect Directly With Paul Via E-mail Or Phone? (He Is Also Available For Club/Team Motivational Speaking Engagements...)  Click here for more information!


You should follow CAYH Blog on twitter here.