The thought of that actually cracks me up, how in the heck did I get to here?

During my first year out of coaching, I worked for one of my former players, Scott Stephens.  During that time, we reflected back and talked a lot about some of the things that went on during my coaching career….he was fascinated by some of the ‘behind the scenes’ stories and suggested that I write a book.  My first reaction was to laugh at him, but then I started jotting down some of the things I had observed, some reflections back on those 29 years, and some of my thoughts on coaching philosophy in general.

I had told my wife what Scott suggested, and she agreed that I should write a book.  About that same time, one of my former player’s mom (that works with my wife) read something that I posted on Facebook that she really liked, and she too thought I should write a book (my wife had mentioned the possibility to her)

As I thought more about it, I thought that maybe by writing a book, I could still teach, stay connected to the profession, and at least maybe indirectly help kids.  There are thousands of great young coaches in this state and country that are out there grinding away and have the opportunity to impact kids on a daily basis.  Coaches that are motivated, energetic, and are in this profession for the right reasons.  I decided that if I shared some of my thoughts and experiences from the past 29 years, and gave those coaches something to think about, that hopefully it would help them in their endeavor to impact kids’ lives.

My first hurdle to get over was my own sense of inadequacy……I’m no author.  And, it’s difficult for me to believe that I have any knowledge, information, or advice to offer that might help or be interesting to anyone.  To get past that hurdle, I need to let you know here that I am not writing this as any sort of ‘How To’.  I believe that being a coach is hugely instinctual, not really something you can learn how to do by reading a book or blog.  I do believe that you can improve upon that instinct thru thought and study.  And, that is really all I’m after here…..to share my experiences in order to give you something to think about.

My second hurdle was, how the heck do you write a book?  I started by just banging out some thoughts on my iPad.  I had no idea how to organize it all…..how to make it look like a book or have any type of flow.  As I put some things together, it became obvious to me that, with what I wanted to do, there would be no distinct ending spot.  So, that is how I wound up with this website and this format……this gives me the flexibility to post and write about things in any order, any time I want.

Finally, before I go any further, I want to make an important distinction.  When I talk about coaching and the coaching profession, I am not talking about professional coaches, or AAU coaches, or major college coaches.  I am not disrespecting those guys in any way, but they live in a completely different world than the guy grinding out lesson plans as well as practice plans…..or the small college coach that is beating the bushes trying to convince kids to come play for them simply for the love of the game.  I’m not saying that those other guys (professionals, AAU, major college) don’t care about their players in a way that is bigger than the sport they coach, or that they don’t face incredible challenges of their own.  What I am saying though, is that the parameters of their job is just totally different than the parameters of the coach trying to support his/her family on a salary of 40K and having to coach whoever walks into the gym……those are the coaches that I relate to because that is who I was.  I do hope and think that there will be things that apply to ALL coaches (regardless of sport or level), but I think it’s important for you to know where my experience/perspective comes from.