Coaching Perspectives and Personal Philosophy My Players First philosophy comes from the time when younger athletes begin to understand what it would take to become successful in sport. It begins with student athletes asking what is it to be a player and who I am when I am a player. The Players First approach requires the coach to consider each player’s individual experiences, i.e., why are they playing the game. Similarly, the coach considers for himself whether he is coaching a team or coaching many individuals. Like many professional coaches in major leagues, each season begins with the ideal that we will coach self-directed players working selflessly toward team goals and accomplishments. Coaching ice hockey should be such an art! What follows are some thoughts and considerations for the season.

Players First Perspective #1: The coach is reminded that he is working with young people and their reasons for playing this game are many. Are they simply devoted to the game – or do they revere what the game is giving to them? Ask your players why do you play this game? How often do athletes answer …because I want to learn…I want to see how great we can be…I want to see how far I can go…to find limits? The spectator player might offer the thrill of competition or the excitement of a social environment for playing but very little about why he wants to play on this team. Would it matter to this player if this team did not exist? More so, would it matter is the player was not selected for your team?

Players First Perspective #2: An involved player is one who becomes fully engaged. These are players inside the game – physically, emotionally, and even intellectually. Expect the players who get involved in the game to make huge contributions. These are the special few who are playing for “right now.” Players, while aspiring to this special level, should be watching others outside the immediate play and observe those without the puck. This is how they become self-directed athletes. They will learn how to play the game! Do not expect too much from players who do not get involved in the game. They are just spectators – on the ice or on the bench. Spectators are not emotionally involved in the game and they simply cause distractions. This spectator player must learn to give up his ego or risk being dismissed from the team.

Players First Perspective #3: We must be coaching many individuals for whom we encourage positive emotions. The coach recognizes each individual for what they believe is possible. They will discover what being a player is all about – embracing core values. Though the coach controls team selection and decides who plays, the players themselves have ultimate power to decide what to do in the game. Instead, find those few areas from which to learn and introduce these to the team. Good players very often make the best decisions. Spectator players bring negative emotions, which can lead to trouble and other problems. We can not copy success and still expect to win. Many student athletes do not appreciate the rigors of balancing an academic schedule with the demands of sport. In fact, some student athletes fail because they believe they do not need to compete for playing time…they had never experienced the need to do so prior to now. Final thought: Above everything else, a player wants from his coach his confidence. Trust in your players and your players will respond.