The role of a Youth coach

The fundamental role of youth coaching can probably be split into four sections. Here is a description of each of the four that youth coaches must strive to combat. This brief article should take no longer than 4 minutes to read..

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1. Player perspective

Though most youth Handball players will undoubtedly want to get better at handball, the wider group of youth players may not be as driven and success orientated as those classed as ‘talents’. Irrespective of success one might achieve, Youth Handball players all have a natural desire to be seen, heard, recognised, and most importantly valued by their coaches and team mates. They must feel that they play a crucial role, and that they are accepted as part of the community of which they belong.

If we hope to keep hold of our youth handball players, the challenge for coaches is to understand what motivates them. Players must be discussed, listened to, and involved, from a team and a club perspective.

2. Coach perspective

It is about having coaches or coaching teams who can fill the role of an effective youth coach and is able to handle the responsibility of being a key figure in the lives of young people. Youth coaches must not only have the necessary professional skills, but also the personality that nurture effective coach-player relationships, can become a responsible leader, and who will be trusted to develop better people as well as Handball players.

We need youth coaches who can see and control the complexities of gender differences when working with and developing young girls and young boys.

Coaches & clubs who become bridge-builders, by creating a holistic development programme which allows players to pass progressively through the system. The holistic development system will also allow for the change of coaches without players feeling as if they are going from one world to another when a new coach arrives.

3. Society perspective

If we are to promote and develop Handball, whilst succeeding in keeping young players, we need organisations that can offer ‘the full package’. That includes having clear views and values, where there is quality in both the sport (training and matches) and the supplementary activities and events, ensuring a great experience for everyone involved.

Managers, coaches, and other volunteers, along with players and parents have the responsibility to ensure a good ‘everyday’ operation of the club, and routine must also be fresh and varied; this helps to create an attractive sporting environment.

4. The sporting perspective

One of the most important influences for young people is the quality of experience when training. Training must be a positive experience every time; something that young people do not want to miss - and the focus should be on learning, enjoyment and physical activity.

Each player must have the opportunity to grow and develop, both in training and in matches. They must feel that they are learning to master skills and given the opportunity to demonstrate their progression in games so they can feel they are getting better on a sporting level. There must be a unique focus, even though it is a team sport; this makes young people feel valuable.

A Youth coach must be ready to take a leading role and great responsibility in youth handball, but can not succeed in doing this alone. As in all other contexts there is a need for teamwork.

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The Handball Academy