COACHING YOUTH SPORTS

The use of Focus Groups, once reserved mainly for use by marketing and advertising firms, has become ubiquitious throughout our society. Organizations interested in learning more about their "product" or idea have turned to focus groups to get randomized, objective evaluations they can then use to improve product quality, gain goodwill among stakeholders, and address any problems or deficiencies of concern to participants. We can do the same for your youth program.

 

​Focus groups are a great tool for learning more about your parents' attitude towards the program and the issues they want addressed by the leadership.

Running focus groups of your players can also be beneficial, providing insight into player attitudes regarding coaches, playing time, the configuration of teams, sportsmanship, and the competitiveness of the program.

 

A recent report from the President's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition reports that one of the most proven methods of improving coaching is through engagement in discussion groups throughout the season. These guided discussions give coaches an opportunity to reflect on their behavior and decision making, and to better prepare for potential issues by listening to the experiences of their colleagues. These discussions are a great way to help your coaches resolve problems and share examples of success (and failure) they have had with their players. Coaches no longer have to feel that they are working in isolation, and that they are left to fend for themselves when confronting issues that have the potential to affect the positive environment they are each trying to provide for their kids.