Handball: Coaches! Forget talent, identify the eagles..

I delivered a seminar for an International coaching course last week in Denmark. When discussing how I select my team and rate players, one participant asked why I titled it 'identifying the eagles' 

Here's why. But first, check out this funny 3 minute clip:

The world is changing, people, are evolving.

In the new age of technology & social media, kids are growing up more comfortable talking to their friends on Facebook and snapchat than face-to-face. The need to forge strong relationships, communicate on a personal level, to build deep meaningful trust with those around them is no longer necessary.

Young people can go to a party with their friends but spend more time writing with the people who are not at the party.

Through no fault of their own young people are growing up with a false sense of entitlement. Told they can do whatever they want to do, be whoever they want to be. They get medals for coming last, which science tells us removes the value of success for the winners and gives false message to those who receive a reward for underachieving.

This evolution in the mindset of young people, though not all negative, represents a big challenge for team sport coaches because the pre-requisite of being a member of a team is that you can communicate well with your team mates,listen to those around you (like your coach), and develop deep, meaningful relationships with those with whom you work.

This state of mind, this entitlement that things will be given to them without working for it, is reflected in a persons thinking, feeling, and behaviour; their attitude

Part of my job as a youth director is making sure we nurture people who are not only technically, tactically, and physically good Handball players, but that we eliminate the 'duck' mentality as soon as possible in their development.. 

Its why I, as much as possible try to select my players based on attitude and not talent.