Good coaching requires an understanding of teamwork, the ability to communicate, and knowledge of the relevant form of sports.

The Art of Coaching

Whether you're coaching a group of children on the finer points of T-ball or a team of colleagues on the rules of beach volleyball, nothing is more essential than the ability to motivate and teach. Here are a few tips from an experienced coach on how to win at the art of coaching.

Keep Your Eye on the Prize

"The key to good coaching is leading and communicating effectively," says Chris Litvinchuk, a former physical education teacher and men's basketball coach. In addition to coaching basketball at the junior high school, high school, and junior college levels for more than ten years, Chris served as a director for several California summer basketball camps and clinics. He currently specializes in the education and recreation areas in his customer care specialist role at outdoor fitness equipment company TriActive America (www.triactiveamerica.com). Coaching a team involves more than the number of slam-dunks in a single game. "Yes, wins and losses are how we as coaches are measured," Chris says. "But if you want to be a good coach, you must always remember that you are responsible for teaching, motivating, and molding young people for life."

It's Not About You

It's all too easy for a coach to become self-absorbed, given the attention and acclaim that comes with a win. "Because your team has been successful, people gravitate toward you and give you credit. As a result, coaches can acquire a false sense of greatness," reflects Chris. The danger: a coach may neglect his team and focus on himself. And if you do that, you'll miss out on the success attainable only through true teamwork. The following story illustrates that concept.