Today I want to publish a collection of things that might benefit or hinder your development as a team with a coach. Again my opinion, I am not a coach myself.
In general I think there are certain jobs or position not everyone can do. Sure, people can grow and develop themselves further, but generally speaking a Coach needs to have a specific way of how they tackle different problems and how they approach each member of a team individually. Empathy is definitely one of the requirements a good coach should have.
- Knowledge of the game, but definitely from different perspectives.
As a team member you may want to focus on your own role. You have certain positions, several setups in which you play a specific role and also encounter specific enemy tactics while fulfilling your role. A coach needs a more wider knowledge. Even though as a player you should also understand what your teammates are doing to adjust accordingly, but your coach should at all times see the whole scenario. I would say a coach position is to some extend comparable to an in-game leader. Always having the overview, seeing the strengths and weaknesses of each person within the team.
- Honesty & Trust
This is probably one of the most important requirements that turn a coach into a good coach. You don’t want someone who is sugar coating the facts. If you don’t know your nades (insert any other knowledgeable item in here) and fail the same one 10 times in a row and still laugh about it, it’s possibly already too late for someone to step up and say that you should finally get your shit together. But it is not only the obvious things that should be pointed out. A coach should find a way to support the players in solving their problems and guiding them into getting better. The team has to trust the coach. Not blindly of course. This is where I get to my next point.
- Understanding & Respect
Coaching is not supposed to be bossing around a group of people. Respect goes both ways. Don’t just blindly follow what others tell you. Ask if you see things different. Take the time to explain to each other why you see things different. Don’t feel offended. In the end you are both having the same goal.
- Motivation
The team is feeling down, has a hard time. Try to motivate your team, show them you still believe in them. Also, as a team, show your coach that you are trying your hardest and sure there can be times when you don’t feel motivated, but show your teammates and your coach that there are times when you are and that you are willing to try your best. Sometimes it needs just one person to motivate everyone and this can decide not only one game round, but also a whole game.
When you are looking for a coach you should first sit together as a team and think about what you need. Do you need help with strategies, do you need help with team play, individual performance or just someone on the outside to see your strengths and weaknesses? When approaching people for this role tell them what you want and let them tell you what they can offer you. Clarify from the beginning that you are on the same page, have the same goals. Set a trial period. Take the practice times serious. Have fun, but scale down the jokes.
As a team pay attention to your coach and listen.
As a coach listen to your team and take the time to discuss things if needed.
If things don’t work out or anyone feels uncomfortable it should always be discussed and don’t be too scared to separate from a coach/team if it does not work out.
Be honest, respectful and motivate each other, the rest will follow.
'Cause I love gaming 