Wednesday, October 6, 2010

John Wooden - The Coach As A Teacher

The continuing series of Coach Wooden's contribution to the 1975 Medalist Notebook:

The Coach As A Teacher

Since the most important responsibility of a coach in regard to the actual playing of the game is to teach his players properly and effectively to execute the various fundamentals of the game, he is, first of all, a teacher.

As a matter of fact, it is unlikely that a teacher of any subject finds it necessary to follow the laws of learning as closely and specifically as it is for the teacher of fundamentals of basketball. A fundamental must be explained and demonstrated. The correct demonstration must be imitated by the players. Their demonstration must be constructively criticized and corrected, and then the players must repeat and repeat the execution of the proper model until the correct habit has been formed to the point where they will react instinctively in the correct manner.

The coach must continuously be exploring for ways to improve himself in order that he may improve others. A wise motto might be, "Others, too, have brains."

Ten criteria applicable to coaching:
1. Knowledge of your subject.
2. General knowledge.
3. Teaching skill.
4. Professional attitude.
5. Discipline.
6. Classroom (floor) organization.
7. School and community relations.
8. Teacher-pupil (coach-player) relationship.
9. Warm personality and genuine consideration for others.
10. Desire to improve.

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