Characteristics of a Great Coach

When one takes on the responsibility of coaching a team, he has established himself as the leader. Inspiring greatness within his followers, a coach encourages his athletes to reach for the greatness within their selves. Inspiring the seemingly impossible, a great coach insists on going beyond one’s expectations to reach goals of tremendous magnitude. Manifesting the potential of the common man into the glory of victory, a coach is the steel behind the dedicated drive of success. A coach of a basketball team is someone who has the dedication to lead their team to a goal.

That goal usually is the winning of a championship. A great coach is often thought of as the coach who is the epitome of success. The “winningest” coach. The coach who has trophies and championship rings. A winning coach has the traits of integrity and grit which make them stand out in society. It takes mental strength for a coach to withstand the stress and criticism that comes with the day to day leading of their team.

There are many great coaches who have brilliantly led their teams to the top of their divisions with the ironclad determination that made them winners. Not all great coaches receive awards and honorable mentions nor do all win championships. But all great coaches touch the lives of their players and develop those players into the best people that they can become. Winning for a great coach is all about the creation of healthy people who can use their bodies and minds to make a better world.

Examples of great coaches to keep in mind when leading your team:

  • Great coaches are leaders who are have integrity and honor.
  • A great coach knows that character counts and teaches this by example.
  • They lead by building relationships with people.
  • They recognize the potential in others and inspire development.
  • They have drive, believe in excellence, and organize their lives accordingly.
  • They affirm, encourage, and have a positive attitude with those they coach.
  • They rise to the occasion, adapt when necessary, and strive to overcome obstacles.
  • They are organized, disciplined, and focused. They assist others to be the same.
  • They are not afraid to allow others to excel beyond their own abilities.
  • They are not threatened by the success of others nor any setbacks.
  • They are hard workers; they pull up their sleeves and work alongside their athletes.
  • They think outside of the box.
  • They foster an environment of change and adaptation for accelerated growth.
  • They believe in education and learning as a continuous process throughout their life.
  • A great coach loves coaching and lets the world know about their passion.
  • They involve their family and community to support their athletes.
  • A successful coach knows their own methodology, belief system, principles, and system and do not back down from it. A great coach never apologizes for doing what he knows is right, good, and correct. Never.
  • A successful coach knows their own methodology, belief system, principles, and system and do not back down from it. A great coach never apologizes for doing what he knows is right, good, and correct. Never.
  • A great coach never apologizes for doing what he knows is right, good, and correct. Never.

Photo credit: victoriaemeredith