What makes a good coach?

[widge milward]

hopefully this can generate some sort of decent discussion before stubbsy, white tyson etc show up.

What do you feel makes a good coach? what qualities would you look for? How can you improve your own coaching skills?

idea's?

[Stubbsy]

One with air conditioning in, and a toilet at the back, and with seatbelts and reclining seats. And one that drives smoothly.

[Yak]

someone who is constantly a 'student' of the game they teach - always striving to learn more

ability to convey , pass on said technique..hence some great fighters not being able to teach well as they can do it ....but cant pass on

patience.... as per above....

motivational skills to encourage the best from students

[Tommo]

Knowledge of the game & the ability to pass this on in an 'easy to understand' way...

Motivation is a key issue as different people need pushing in different ways & to be able to recognise how to get the best out of people is also a big factor!

[$candalous]

Ive got to hand it to Stubbsy, he's just had me in stitches with that one!

[widge milward]

The always learning approach is key imo, the minute you fail to stop learning the game passes you by.

People talk about an "easy to understand" way? what is easy to understand lol?

recognise how to get the best out of people is also a big factor

This is a must, luckily we have someone at the Colosseum in Sensei Chatfield who can do this.

Some guys need a shouting at and a good kick up the arse, others need the "arm round the shoulder" approach. a great quality in a coach.

I feel competition experience in the chosen field is a must, you dont have to be the greatest, just have an experience of the competitive side of the subject your teaching.

[Baker]

One with air conditioning in, and a toilet at the back, and with seatbelts and reclining seats. And one that drives smoothly.

That was a good one actually

[londonpride]

lol stubbsy. widge hoping to avoid him and he's the first to reply, did make me chuckle though.

in serious answer to the thread, i think a good coach has to be patient, willing to help people of all abilities, able to teach in a simple easy to follow manner for the newer guys and also be able to get really technical and teach harder stuff - still in a manner which can be followed (i.e. not just showing them once in full speed then expecting everyone to perfect it).

a good coach should be approachable, have a strong presence which commands respect but not have students intimidated or afraid to ask questions.

friendly and ready for a laugh is also good, creates a relaxed atmosphere and a more down to earth, enjoyable gym that people will want to go back to.
has to control his gym, be knowledgebale and able to pass the info on well to the fighters.
be able to walk around the gym whilst people are drilling/sparring and pick out little technical deficiancies people have and help them alter and improve.

[blackdogmma]

being able to change teaching methods to suit the student. some learn by seeing a move done, others by having it done on them, some need to hear the explanation, and in some cases the coach just has to move the student physically through the technique pulling and pushing his limb in the appropriate fashion.

Having bravado, the ability to talk in front of crowd and make them laugh. being larger than life.

oh yeah, and a beard, gotta have a good full trust-me tony de souza-esque beard.

[The Natural]

there are a few requirements that i feel a good coach should possess -

1. Good communication skills..
2. Good skill in what they are teaching..
3. someone who teaches principals instead of simply techniques (where possible)
4. someone who emplys a variety of teaching methods
5. Someone who still trains and is still seeking knowledge for the love of what they are teaching.
6. someone who is approachable and has a sense of humour and displays it during the class.
7. someone who can see/workout the needs of individuals attending lessons, albeit this takes time to learn.
8. something that i feel is very important in any type of teaching..willing to admit when they are wrong.
9. somone who listens to student feedback.
10. someone who takes onboard students thoughts and adjusts accordingly to meet their needs.

didnt mean for it to be that long!!