Following a legion--The New Coach by Ned Linch
“Tell us how you did it coach.” These words were forced into my face with a camera lens almost resting against my cheeks (page 395). The team did it along with some guidance from my assistant coach and the parents. I want to thank my assistant coach who is the baseball expert. He used to play in the minor leagues and the team loved him because of his dedication to their lives and his credibility at baseball. I think they hated me because I introduced the pull-up to their strength and conditioning program. Regardless, I was all about making them the best well-rounded people before they head into the cruel world.
I'm glad they have a state championship win so they can have a trophy displayed in our clubhouse and to validate their strength as a team versus individual players. I think in a few years they will realize the significance of this year and it wasn't about that trophy (page 107-108).
“So, what about this year coach? It was your first and I know that was tough coming in to replace “the legacy”. How did it start for you?” I tell you what, you take that camera out of my face and come with me. I need a good hour with you to tell the story.
It all started last year when Jimbo Johnson, the
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So, I opened the door to listening to them and their suggestions by using the cooperative-style. This style involved sharing decisions with the team (page 31). I gave them direction, provided instruction and only used discipline when only necessary plus I allowed the athletes to make decisions and assume responsibility (page 31). I accepted guidance from my staff and parents, too. The team’s culture changed for the better and became our social architecture that fueled the team psyche. It was a positive environment and climate for success instilling commitment, inculcating pride, and building team spirit (page