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.

A Mediocre Team Can Score Big

Want to know what difference a coach can make? Consider Chris's most memorable coaching experience, when he was an assistant coach for a high school basketball team. They were not particularly talented — in fact, "mediocre would be a kind adjective for this team," Chris says. "We were on the road and playing in a small, suffocating gym. Our head coach and several players were sick with a stomach virus. The result: five unexceptional players had to perform at a level and with an intensity that seemed impossible and improbable.

"The team we were playing," Chris continues, "had more talent, and a complete roster. We knew this was going to be an uphill battle. We were down by 13 at the halftime, and it resembled a bad dream until 15-year-old Roberto rallied the team: ‘I don't care if you're tired. We're better than this. I'm not going to lose, and the rest of you need to join me!'

"That challenge touched the team's spirits. Our guys found the energy and guts to play the second half. Despite all their problems, those boys won!"

Was it a miracle? "No," says Chris. "What it took for our boys to win was a belief and trust in their teammates and coaches. That's what rallied this victory."

As for Roberto, he stunned both his team and opposing players with 42 points.

The Best Coach in Sports History

There are many famous coaches in sports history, such as John Wooden, whose most memorable quote may be: "Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there."

It's All About the two Ps

The score at the end of the game may be what the public sees —but it is the Ps that count: "practice and preparation are where it all happens," according to Chris. As a coach, it's essential to prepare your team to work together, teaching them the fundamentals and building team chemistry and energy. "Yes, games are what you're measured by, but practice serves as the foundation." In fact, this experienced coach believes that "practice should be harder to go through than a game. If you've worked on all facets of your game, studied and scouted the opponent's tendencies, and given one hundred percent," the game itself flows smoothly. "Success will happen if you focus on the two P's: Practice and Preparation," adds Chris.

Want to Volunteer as a Coach?

If you're considering volunteering as a coach for a Little League or community team, the number one rule is to "have fun. Emphasize teamwork, exercise, and a positive attitude. Be a strong leader and learn to communicate effectively to your team," Chris urges. Take the time to ensure that all players are enjoying themselves and feeling as if they are essential to the team. "Praise each player for his or her accomplishments. Building self-confidence and exposing a child to challenges is healthy." Expect a child to make mistakes and don't demand perfection. "The reaction from the parent or adult is crucial. How well you handle your emotions and the words you choose to use will be engraved on a child's brain and heart," adds the experienced coach.