The Role of the Coach

Introduction

The coach of an Australian Football club holds a dynamic, and vital position within that football club. They represent players, officials and supporters as the figurehead of the club.

The coach must be a leader. Continualy analysing, studying, planning and assessing the game as it develops, whilst being aware of the capabilities of his team. The coach must strive to bring out the best result possible for the group of players under his direction, and develop the team as both a group and as individuals.

The game's emphasis on running and possession football has developed to an extent that at every level of football players are aware of the need to be very fit, skilled and versatile. Players are expected to be able to adopt attacking and defensive roles regardless of the positions they play. It is the coach's responsibility to ensure the development of these attributes to a level equivalent to the age and ability of members of the team.

The increased importance of tactics to maintain possession and restrict the opposition has placed even greater emphasis on the coaches role in creating a successful team.

The coach must be able to communicate well with his team and create the correct environment for footballers to perform at their optimum level.

Role of the Coach
During the year the coach may be called upon to fill a variety of roles. These can include:

Manager dealing with a wide range of players, officials and supporters.
Leader assigned to organise training, match day events and team morale.
Teacher instructing football skills and team tactics.
Selector involved in the planning and selection of the best team to represent the club.
Communicator providing clear instruction and feedback to the team and individual players.
Psychologist dealing with various individual personalities within the team.
Public Relations expert representing the club at official functions and community activities.
Student continually seeking to upgrade his knowledge of the game.
Sports Trainer with a basic knowledge of injury prevention, care and management.

Coaching Styles
In a study of over 500 coaches, five distinct categories of coaching styles were identified. There is, however, no one perfect style that leads to success.

Most coaches possess certain characteristics of each coaching type but should be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of the various coaching styles. If a coach is able to identify some of his shortcomings he is in a position to improve.

Authoritarian Coach
Strong disciplinarian.
Well organised.
Good team spirit.
Dissension when losing.
May be feared or disliked.

Business-like Coach
Intelligent logical approach.
Well planned and organised.
Up to date with new techniques.
Expects 100% effort all the time.
May set goals too high for some team members.

Nice Guy Coach
Well liked.
Players sometimes take advantage of the coach's co-operative nature.
Gets on well with the players of similar temperament.

Intense Coach
Emphasises winning.
High anxiety often transmitted to players.

Easy-going Coach
Very casual.
Gives impression of not taking the game seriously.
May not be prepared to drive his team at training.
Well liked but may seem to be inadequate in some situations.

Footballers can be subdivided into 4 main categories according to their size and age:

1. Pre Club: Up to 10 years
2. Junior Player: 10-12 years
3. Youth Player: 13-18 years
4. Senior Player

It is imperative that your coaching style and philosophy take into account the age and ability of your team.

Coaching Principles
Fundamentals do apply to coaching, irrespective of the age group and level of competition. The coaching principles that follow should form the foundation of your coaching style.

Start with Yourself

Be organised
The good coach is well organised, is enthusiastic and establishes with his attitude the correct work ethic within the team. Training sessions and match day arrangements are organised well in advance. The coach must be well presented, look the part and be in control at all times.

Be yourself
Don't be over concerned by other coaches or parents. Remember it's your team and you have the ultimate responsibility for their performance.

Use assistants
Surround yourself with competent people you can work with. Take time to appoint your assistant coach, team manager, runner and chairman of selectors. You must be comfortable with these appointments and will often rely on their advice during the year. Ensure each has a clear job description outlining their role and responsibility. Communicate with your assistants regularly and listen to their opinions and suggestions.

And plan:

1. Set Ground Rules

Outline to your players your expectations on all aspects of training including:

training days
dress required for training
start times
policy for late or non arrival
A policy should be also be adopted on recommended behaviour off the field.

2. Develop Club Spirit

Encourage togetherness both on and off the ground.
It is important to promote a family club, therefore attendance at club functions can be beneficial in team building.
Attempt to mix socially with all members of the football club.
On the ground, highlight 'team play' efforts rather than individual efforts. A team-lifting effort such as a goal scored from a good passage of play should be strongly emphasised.

3. Respect the Individual

A coach working with a large group of footballers must understand that each player in unique in terms of temperament and personality and will exhibit varying behaviour. Players must be treated as individuals. Ensure all players are recognised and treated equally.

4. Junior Club Involvement

The senior club coach must show a keen interest in junior teams and their training program. Junior club coaches should be consulted at the beginning of the year and at regular intervals during the season. Encourage similar coaching and training methods for all teams.

5. Fundamentals

The basic skills of football must be continually taught and practised. A coach must reinforce the basic possession and disposal skills. A team plan is of no value if players are unable to kick, mark, handball or perform other basic skills.

6. Team Plan

The coach must formulate a team plan. This plan is comprised of:
Basics - that is, specific rules for forwards, backs, centreline and on-ball players
Tactics - these are the plays that vary from game to game depending on the weather, ground conditions, the opposition and the players at your disposal.

7. Player Responsibility

Encourage more experienced players to take on extra responsibilities at training and on match day. Generate involvement and support for your role by seeking their opinion on opposition teams and your game plan.

8. Communication

The well prepared coach provides continual feedback to the team and individuals within the team.
All players need feedback. The coach must avoid the tendency to talk to the better players and ignore low achievers.
Good communication is the essence of successful coaching. The coach must be able to deliver a message and at the same time listen to his players.

9. Player Discipline

Problems will occur during the course of a football year. Whether it be a late arrival for a vital game or disregard for club property, it is advisable to be well prepared.
A set of guidelines must be established early in the season to deal with a player breaching the rules.
It is preferable to allow player input into the rules, making them 'the team's rules' rather than simply dictated by the coach.
If an infringement does occur listen to the player's explanation, explain that team rules have been broken and take action immediately.
This procedure should be firmly implemented.

10. Know and Care for the Game

The serious coach will have a genuine love for the game of football.
The successful coach will be a student of the game striving to learn from other coaches, relevant football texts and videos as well as coach education courses.
Experience teaches us how to improve. If approached openly and enthusiastically, coaching as a profession offers great fulfilment and personal satisfaction.

11. Planning

Planning is the key to successful coaching. A yearly plan is essential for coaches if they wish to optimise the development of their players. The coach must evaluate the team's current standing and plan the coaching year, and individual sessions, to achieve optimal benefit.

12. Safety

It is the responsibility of the coach to provide an environment that does not expose the footballer to potential injury.
To be effective in this area the coach must be aware of appropriate warm up activities, protective equipment, the importance of fluid replacement, adequate dietary intake, rest and recovery, as well as safe playing and training facilities.

13. Goal Setting

Goals must be set for individual players and the team.
These must be realistic, flexible and achievable.
Team and individual goals should be assessed regularly.

Junior Coach Code of Behaviour

Be reasonable in your demands on players' time, energy and enthusiasm.
Avoid 'over-playing' the talented players. Average players need and deserve equal time.
Remember that children participate for fun and enjoyment.
Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of the players.
Develop team respect for the ability of opponents as well as the judgment of umpires.
Follow the advice of a qualified sports trainer when determining when an injured player is ready to recommence training or competition.
Keep yourself informed and updated on sound coaching principles.
Create opportunities to teach sportsmanship as well as the skills of the game.
Ensure your players understand their responsibilities and the need to participate according to the rules.
Demonstrate appropriate behaviour in your conduct both on and off the ground.