Winning is great. But even more important than the victories on the field are the ones coaches can have with their players. Here are some tips on how to make your young athletes feel great about themselves and the game:

	Before beginning to coach, obtain information such as age range of players, level of play, length of the season, number of and length of practices and games, and information such as league philosophy and training opportunities.
	Keep the sport in perspective, encouraging players to participate in a variety of sports and other activities.
	Make the game a great experience for the whole family; players, coaches, officials and fans. Meeting with players and parents will encourage communication and help build a positive relationship.
	Aim for active participation from every player, which contributes to mental and physical development. Help players develop confidence and self-esteem by greeting them individually when they arrive, showing confidence in their ability to learn and encouraging effort without always focusing on results.
	Focus on the basics, including teaching the rules. As players develop their skills, their enjoyment of the sport grows.

Coach's Check List

Friendship

• Call each child by name
• Have the children learn each other's names as well
• Speak to every child at every practice
• Help children who may be shy
• Use partner and small group activities
• Rotate partners and members
• Organize team events
• Involve parents

Skill Development

• "Talk an ounce, practice a ton"
• Design activities to minimize waiting
• Vary drills
• Create challenges
• Give children activities to practice at home

Fitness

• Develop habits of stretching, warming up, and cooling down
• Set a good example

Fun

• Make sure every child experiences some feeling of achievement
• Scale down your sport if necessary
• Provide sufficient equipment
• Have a rewards system
• Ensure different children win each week
• Cultivate your sense of humor

Success and Self-Worth

• Have realistic expectations
• Emphasize performance, not results
• Measure and reward individual improvement
• Offer specific, honest praise
• Provide constructive "try this" feedback
• Give personal attention to each child

Positive Values

• Stress teamwork
• Play by the rules on and off the "field"
• Discourage cheating, reinforce fair play
• Be happy but humble in victory, dignified in defeat
• Be proud of your efforts