What does it take to be a winning youth coach? Listen in as Rob Elwood shares coaching stories and discusses his journey to becoming a successful youth coach.

Rob is a sports entrepreneur and hosts the podcast ‘Who are you – the Life Lessons of Sports.’ Rob started out as an intern for the Cleveland Indians, and has continued to work in sports throughout his career.  His podcast features over 130 interviews of collegiate and professional athletes, from Rick Barry of the NBA, to Jonathan Ogden from the NFL - and asks the question - 'Who are you, and what role did sports have in forming who you are?'  He has coached youth baseball for 15 years. He is married and has two children, a 5 year-old son and a 2 ½ year-old son. They live in Annapolis, Maryland.

Website: whoareyousports.com

Twitter: @whoareyousports

Facebook: /whoareusports
Listen NOW:

Listen in ITunes: Itunes link
Listen in Stitcher: Stitcher link
 
Coaching/Leadership Quote
▪   ‘Effort over Results’

click to tweet!
My ‘Cringe’ Moment
▪   Rob shares his early experience as a youth coach – he regrets not laying the groundwork with the parents that:

HUGE IDEA #1 - 2 things he will not take input from parents on:

1-   playing-time

2-   game strategy
AH-HA / Pivot Moment
▪   Rob had opportunity to pursue being a General Manager for Major League Baseball – but made a pivot moment based on where he wanted his life to go
Teaching Children & Keeping it Fun
3 things need to happen as a coach or a parent choosing a sports team:

Kids are having fun
Kids are learning
Kids are making new friends

▪   As far as teaching - It’s all about fundamentals, repetitions. Break everything down into small steps. For baseball fielding – break down into 3 steps – fielding the ball, getting into position to throw, then making the throw. Add positive celebrations as they improve each area.

▪   Take your team to high school game – and find teaching points to show them in the game.
Coaching Resources
▪   Football: APlayADay.com

▪   Baseball: Dr. James Andrews’ injury prevention website

▪   Baseball pitching drills: Rick Peterson's 3P Sports website

▪   Positive Coaching Alliance

▪   UberSense – Video coaching and sports coaching app
Discipline
HUGE IDEA #2: Discipline starts with a culture:

o  It starts with gratitude: Say thank you to your parents when you get dropped off. Carry your own equipment to/from the field.

o  Be organized – all equipment has a place

o  As a coach – I then need to be organized with a plan
Inspiring Story
▪   Mr. Giggles – A young man Rob coached – always smiling and laughing, but always closed his eyes as soon as the pitcher threw a pitch. Rob and the coaches worked with him, by starting with whiffle balls and tennis balls – to help him overcome his fear.
Coaching/Leadership Motivation
▪   Quote: ‘Effort over results’

▪   Books: Tony Dungy, John Wooden

▪   Books: Malcolm Gladwell: ‘Inside the Tipping Point’ – the stickiness factor

▪   Books: Chip and Dan Heath: ‘Made to Stick’
Who are You Sports
▪   Rob wanted to share stories about who the athletes are and how they became who they are. Podcast link

▪   Project he is working on: coaching videos
Interview Links / Promotional Partners
The Inspired Treehouse

 



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HUDL

 
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