A warning to anyone thinking about coaching youth sports:
Don’t do it.
Here’s why – based on research.
Since January 18, I’ve spent roughly 200 hours with 25 girls, all 11 and under, plus another 17 years of coaching experience with kids.
So, a few warnings for anyone thinking about coaching:
If you’re a decent coach, the kids start to like you.
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Then you start to like them.
Suddenly, yelling “GET ON THE LINE!” feels like raising your voice at a group of golden retrievers.
Your competitive edge is gone.
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They can destroy a carefully planned practice with one look.Twenty-five sets of little eyes.
One weak coach.
And somehow, we’re playing dodgeball again (at soccer practice).
Your practice plan never stood a chance.
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Kids will teach you patience.Mostly by making you explain the drill four times, then asking:
“Wait. What are we doing?”
By the fifth explanation, you realize the drill is actually for you.
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They’ll teach you to celebrate the small wins.A left-handed layup.
One good closeout.
All five players running toward the correct basket.
Pretty soon, you’re fist-pumping over basic competence like you just won a state championship.
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They’ll destroy your ego.You can spend 30 minutes teaching spacing and defensive rotations, only to hear: “Coach, why do you always wear those shorts?”
Nothing dismantles a coaching ego faster than a ten-year-old with no filter.
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Then came our last practice.
They gave me one giant group hug.
A few of us cried.
I will not be naming names.
That’s when I realized the whole thing had been a trap.
They make you care about them.
So, to all the wannabe coaches:
Stay home.
Because these ‘monsters’ will take 200 hours from you…
and somehow leave you feeling like giving another 200 hours.
Bill Flitter … 17-year Coach. 2x Parent. 4x Builder.
Sharing field notes that make youth sports easier for those who make it possible.
