The SBC approach to coaching is an approach that is based on science and research. Dr. Gary F. Russell’s 37+ years of training millions of children and thousands of adults has been streamlined into a replicable model of human interaction (The Focus Model) that consistently yields successful outcomes. For the first time we are now bottling that knowledge and experience and calling it the SBC approach. We are committed to working at the grass roots level to spread this approach so that it may become the foundation for all coaches seeking to develop the strength of their players and the strength of their teams.
Becoming a Strengths-Based Coach begins by committing to be
- Connected
- Optimistic
- Accepting
- Compassionate
- Humble
every time there is interaction with players.
Being Connected requires that coaches know their players. Any coach is
expected to have an understanding of the individual abilities of each of
his/her players.
A Strengths-Based Coach will know his players outside
of sport. A Strengths-Based Coach will know general background
information about each player, their interests and other aspects of
their life outside of sport. This is especially useful for involving and
rewarding each individual player. It is essential for building a
trusting relationship and a positive environment.
A coach’s ability to
do this with each player will result in them emulating the coach’s
example and learning and caring about one another as teammates. It’s a
coach’s responsibility to set the tone. One of things coaches can do is
use talent profiles on players.
The Gallup Organization has developed a
Strengths Finder instrument to highlight the talents in adults. Along
with Gallup, Dr. Russell has helped to develop talent profiling in
children. Use of this type of profile can aid you in learning more about
the players on your team.
Being Optimistic requires that coaches have an unwavering belief that every player can understand the knowledge and skills demonstrated to him or her. Celebrate the champion in each individual player by reinforcing each element of good practice and delivering genuine compliments when they are warranted.
If a player does something good, acknowledge it loudly. Encourage players to give their best in every situation and explain to them that win or lose, there are always lessons to be learned. A StrengthsBasedCoaching.org we have developed a
Green Card Program. In Soccer, referees issue yellow and red cards to punish inappropriate behavior on the field. SBC takes the opposite approach, issuing Green Cards to positively influence children involved in youth sports. Use our Green Card program to reinforce good behaviors on the field.
Being Accepting requires that coaches accept each and every player for who they are and what they bring to the team. The beauty in team sports is that it allows coaches to blend the talents of a group and orchestrate success.
It is the coach’s job to deliver successful outcomes and experiences to each player. Make connections with players to understand their talents and what motivates them towards continuous improvement. Armed with that information and accepting the collective talents of players will result in the best outcomes; those that are focused on the individual successes of players, not whether or not any given game is won, an outstanding seasonal record is achieved or the regional/state/league championship is captured.
Strengths-Based Coaches ensure that the collective victories of each player add up to a higher collective value both on and off the playing field.
NASC, Inc. publishes a Kidriculum™ that is packed with loads of fun games and soccer drills for children based on their age and developmental level of play. Although it was written specifically for soccer, many of the game concepts could be used in other sports. The NFL and Jack Nicklaus’ Golden Bear program has used the Kidriculum™.
Being Compassionate requires that coaches talk things out with players and exercise empathy. Always present in the mind of a Strengths-Based Coach is an understanding of what it’s like to be in the shoes of the players.
Instead of ‘telling’ them how it is during discussions, involve them instead. Ask questions about the game, what players have learned and what they need to improve. Really listen to the players and work to accommodate their needs. Being compassionate does not mean that constructive feedback is never given. It is an essential component building strength in players. It is the manner in which the constructive feedback is delivered that matters the most.
Use the sandwich rule when delivering constructive feedback: start with a positive, provide the feedback concerning a skill that needs improvement and end with a positive. This method is non-threatening and more easily digested by players, which make it more likely that they will try harder to improve their skills.
Being Humble requires that coaches step back to allow players to enjoy the glory and step forward to explain the challenges.
A Strengths-Based Coach is his/her team’s biggest cheerleader, setting the tone for acceptable, supportive behaviors on and off the field. Strengths-Based Coaches embrace sportsmanship conduct and they lead by example to demand it of their players. They have the ability to demonstrate skills in such a way that it never appears as though they are trying to outdo or outperform their players to prove a point.
The Green Card program available at StrengthsBasedCoaching.org can be extended by leveraging the compliment tool on the website to track all of the positive things each player does. This could then be rolled into a reward/recognition program at the end of a season for a given sport.
