coaching philosophy essay examples

50 Coaching Philosophy Examples (Copy and Paste)

A coaching philosophy is a coherent set of values, attitudes, and principles that guide a coach’s behavior (Martens, 2012).

A coaching philosophy combines the coach’s core values , such as fairness, integrity , and honesty , with their beliefs about how athletes learn and develop (Kidman & Lombardo, 2010).

The coach’s philosophy will end up shaping the coach-athlete relationship to a huge extent. For example:

The establishment of a well-articulated coaching philosophy is seen as crucial in successful coaching across various sporting disciplines (Côté & Gilbert, 2011).

Studies have additionally suggested that athletes who operate with a coach that holds a consistent and transparent coaching philosophy are more likely to feel satisfied and stay motivated (Weathington, Alexander & Rodebaugh, 2010).

Take a look through the following examples and pick out ones that resonate best for you.

Coaching Philosophy Examples

1. Development over victory. “I firmly believe in process-oriented coaching. I prioritize player development over win-loss records in the belief this paves the way to lasting success.”

2. Teamwork before individual glory. “In my view, collective effort trumps solo brilliance. Thus, I focus on nurturing cohesion and fostering a team-first mentality among my athletes.”

3. Respect for all participants. “As a coach, I instil in my athletes the principle of mutual regard. It’s essential for me that we uphold respect for opponents, officials, and teammates alike.”

4. Equal time for all players. “In my practice, I endeavor to provide equal playing time for all my athletes. Everyone in my team receives equal opportunities to grow, learn, and contribute.”

5. Character development is key. “To me, the sporting field is a character-building arena. I aim to shape athletes who are not just skilled but also possess strong moral integrity.”

6. Empowering self-confident athletes. “My task is to cultivate confident athletes. I do this by instilling a sense of self-belief and fostering an environment where they feel empowered to perform.”

7. Personal bests over competition. “I advocate for improving one’s personal best rather than obsessing over the competition. My goal is to help athletes recognize and leverage their own potential.”

8. Instilling a passion for sport. “I strive to kindle a deep love for the sport in my athletes. My philosophy involves nurturing an environment that encourages passion and enthusiasm.”

9. Fostering athlete autonomy. “My coaching style is centered on promoting self-governance. I foster autonomy by giving athletes the reins to manage their training and make key decisions.”

10. Safety before competitiveness. “I firmly believe that safety is paramount. No victory is worth risking the well-being of my athletes.”

Related: Teaching Philosophy Examples

11. Learning through gameplay. “Sports, to me, are a learning platform. I utilize games as opportunities for teaching and refining the necessary skills.”

12. Mental toughness cultivation. “I concentrate on cultivating mental resilience in my athletes. Strengthening their mental fortitude helps them overcome adversities on and off the sports field.”

13. Emphasis on sportsmanship. “I prioritize fostering good sportsmanship. For me, how we play the game is just as important as the outcome.”

14. Building positive attitudes. “My philosophy involves building a positive mindset. I aim to nurture athletes who maintain optimism and positivity, even in challenging circumstances.”

15. Encouraging open communication. “I promote transparency within my team. I believe in maintaining an environment where athletes feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and concerns.”

16. Promotion of physical fitness. “I emphasize the crucial role of physical fitness in sporting success. My commitment is to develop athletes who possess optimal physical health and performance.”

17. Resilience and adaptability coaching. “I focus on developing resilient and adaptable athletes. I believe in helping athletes learn to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to changing circumstances.”

18. Healthy competition encouragement. “I encourage healthy competition. I believe that the right competition can stimulate growth and progress among athletes.”

19. Prioritizing skill mastery. “I prioritize skill mastery above all else. By honing specific skills, my athletes can continually improve and reach their peak potential.”

20. Emphasizing process over outcome. “I advocate for a growth mindset. I emphasize the importance of the process, believing that focusing on the journey fosters long-term improvement, regardless of the immediate results.”

21. Nurturing intrinsic motivation . “My aim is to nurture athletes who are intrinsically motivated. Committed to fostering love for the game, I strive to stimulate passion and focus that come from within.”

22. Embracing diversity and inclusivity. “I pride myself on prioritizing diversity and inclusivity in my team. I strongly believe in creating an environment where all athletes feel valued, heard, and included.”

23. Inspiring leadership in athletes. “My coaching philosophy involves fostering leaders, not just players. I want to empower my athletes to take responsibility , inspire others, and lead by example.”

24. Coaching the whole person. “My coaching goes beyond the field – I coach the whole person. I incorporate personal growth, academics, and life skills in my approach to holistic athlete development.”

25. Growth mindset encouragement . “I strongly advocate for a growth mindset. I work to instill the belief that abilities can be developed and that progress is the result of effort, not inherent talent.”

26. Building trust and integrity. “I focus on building trust and integrity within my team. I believe in honesty, transparency, and the power of trust in strengthening team dynamics.”

27. Fostering a team family. “My coaching philosophy is about creating a family-like environment within the team. A culture where everyone supports, encourages, and looks out for each other.”

28. Developing tactical game understanding. “I strive to improve my athletes’ understanding of the game’s tactics. Recognizing patterns, predicting opponents’ moves, and making efficient decisions are skills I aim to develop.”

29. Conditioning for peak performance. “My focus is on conditioning my athletes to achieve their peak performance. Physical fitness, skill enhancement, mental fortitude – all are key ingredients in my approach to training.”

30. Encouraging fair play. “I staunchly advocate fair play. The spirit of the game, respect for opponents, and adherence to rules are principles I instill in my athletes.”

31. Pursuit of continuous improvement. “I underscore the importance of perpetual learning and improvement. The pursuit of growth is a continuous journey, not a finite destination.”

32. Emphasis on fun in sports. “While I aim for success, I never forget to emphasize fun. I believe true sporting joy acts as a powerful motivator and keeps the athletes engaged.”

33. Teaching accountability and responsibility. “I educate my athletes on the importance of being accountable and responsible. Recognizing one’s role, admitting mistakes, and taking corrective actions are traits I wish to instill.”

34. Constructive feedback provision . “I value constructive feedback as a crucial coaching tool. My approach involves giving clear, meaningful feedback, intended to guide athletes toward improvement.”

35. Instilling discipline and commitment. “I believe in the importance of discipline and commitment. These traits not only enhance athletic performance but also build character.”

36. Cultivating adaptability and flexibility. “My philosophy involves fostering adaptability and flexibility. I train athletes to perform under varying circumstances and adapt to different game situations.”

37. Teaching strategic thinking . “I aim to develop strategic thinkers. My athletes are encouraged to analyze situations, anticipate outcomes, and make informed decisions on and off the field.”

38. Promoting lifelong learning. “I promote lifelong learning, not just game-specific skills. I want my athletes to understand that skills learned on the field can be valuable life lessons.”

39. Developing emotional intelligence. “I prioritize the development of emotional intelligence. Understanding and managing emotions can dramatically enhance performance and interpersonal relationships.”

40. Foster love for the game. “My coaching approach nurtures a deep love for the game. That passion is what drives athletes to perform their best and stay committed.”

41. Building on individual strengths. “I focus on amplifying individual strengths. Each athlete has unique strengths, and my strategy revolves around recognizing and building on those.”

42. Balancing athletics with life. “I endorse balancing athletics with life. While I strive for athletic excellence, I equally encourage my athletes to fulfill their responsibilities off the field.”

43. Goal setting and tracking. “I foster a culture of setting and tracking specific goals. This systematic approach not only helps in performance improvement but also inculcates a sense of responsibility.”

Related: Examples of Performance Goals for Coaches

44. Mental and physical balance. “I emphasize achieving a balance between mental toughness and physical conditioning. A healthy mind in a healthy body is the basis of peak athletic performance.”

45. Cultivating a winning mindset. “Beyond skills and tactics, I believe in fostering a winning mindset. Thinking like a winner often paves the path to becoming one.”

46. Prioritizing player well-being. “My prime focus remains the well-being of my athletes. Health, safety, and emotional wellness are of paramount importance to me.”

47. Encouraging athlete’s creativity. “I encourage creativity and innovative thinking. Each game offers a canvas for athletes to express themselves uniquely and creatively.”

48. Coach as a mentor. “I perceive myself more as a mentor than solely a coach. Beyond coaching, I offer guidance and support in life skills, education, and personal growth.”

49. Building team cohesion. “High performance relies on team cohesion and everyone being a team player . I strive to build a culture of unity , where everyone understands and embraces their role within the bigger team fabric.”

50. Embracing failure as learning. “I teach my athletes to embrace failure – as stepping stones to success. Every failure provides invaluable lessons and opportunities for improvement.”

How to Develop a Coaching Philosophy (Questions to Ask Yourself)

Developing a personal coaching philosophy begins with introspective questioning.

In this reflection, consider your belief system , your values, and the principles you deem important in the context of sports and life in general (Vallée & Bloom, 2005).

You may want to ask yourself:

• “What kind of coach do I aspire to be?”
• “What values do I want to instill in my athletes?”, and
• “What kind of environment do I aim to create for my team?”

These questions can serve as a foundation for shaping your coaching philosophy.

Further, consider the expectations you have from your athletes and yourself in terms of both performance and behavior, as well as how you define success in your context (Vallée & Bloom, 2005).

Understanding what you believe is the purpose of coaching can also help you clarify your coaching philosophy.

Is it about molding professionals, nurturing a love for the sport, or perhaps contributing to personal development?

Remember, your coaching philosophy will evolve over time, along with your experiences and growth as a coach.

Your Coaching Philosophy and Personal Ethics

Your coaching philosophy and personal ethics should be intertwined. Your coaching philosophy is a reflection of your values, and these values form the blueprint for your ethical conduct (Poczwardowski et al., 2014).

For instance, if your philosophy involves fair play and respect for all participants, this can translate to ethics encompassing unbiased judgments, nondiscrimination, and upholding the spirit of the game.

Further, it is critical that your coaching practices align with the ethical codes defined by the broader sporting community (Poczwardowski et al., 2014).

This includes adherence to guidelines set by sporting bodies related to athlete safety, respect for opponents and officials, and the avoidance of any form of exploitation.

Essentially, your coaching philosophy should serve as an ethical compass, guiding you through ethical dilemmas and ensuring you make fair, responsible, and transparent decisions in the best interest of your athletes.

References:

Vallée, C. N., & Bloom, G. A. (2005). Building a successful university program: Key and common elements of expert coaches. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 17(3), 179-196.

Poczwardowski, A., Sherman, C.P., & Ravizza, K. (2014). Professional philosophy in the sport psychology service delivery: Building on theory and practice. The Sport Psychologist, 28(3), 234-244.

Each of these philosophies is a testament to the multifaceted role a coach plays in the lives of their athletes. Beyond imparting sport-specific training and techniques, a coach can cultivate values, shape character, and stir passion for the game. Regardless of the particular approach, what underpins a successful coaching philosophy is the ability to incite personal growth and development, alongside athletic achievements. As such, a carefully articulated coaching philosophy serves not only to guide coaching practices but also to influence the broader sporting environment, molding athletes into resilient and balanced individuals (Martens, 2012).

Martens, R. (2012). Successful coaching . Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Kidman, L., & Lombardo, B. (2010). Athlete-centered coaching: Developing decision makers (2nd ed.). Worcester, UK: IPC.

Hardy, L. (2016). Understanding psychological preparation for sport: Theory and practice of elite performers . John Wiley & Sons.

Côté, J., & Gilbert, W. (2011). An integrative definition of coaching effectiveness and expertise. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 6 (3), 307-323. doi: https://doi.org/10.1260/174795409789623892

Weathington, B. L., Alexander, A. C., & Rodebaugh, L. L. (2010). Coaching influences on student-athlete motivation, stress, and skill.  Athletic Insight ,  12 (2), 1-18.

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Coaching Philosophy: What It Is and How to Develop Your Own

Fortunately, most coaches get into the business to serve others, and with that heart of service comes a pathway to a personal coaching philosophy.

Personal values and integrity in the field are essential steps in understanding the benefits that coaching brings to the world.

If you’re lucky, your trainer will help to develop this coaching philosophy well during training. Coaches are responsible for how they show up to serve their clients, and being mindful and self-aware is an integral part of that service.

Come along to read more about coaching philosophy and how it can add value to any coaching practice.

Before you read on, we thought you might like to download our three Positive Psychology Exercises for free . These science-based exercises explore fundamental aspects of positive psychology, including strengths, values, and self-compassion, and will give you the tools to enhance the wellbeing of your clients, students, or employees.

This Article Contains:

What is a coaching philosophy, developing your coaching philosophy, 3 examples of coaching philosophies, a look at some examples of life coaching philosophy, inspiring quotes, a take-home message.

Having a well-defined approach for the way each client is served is a crucial part of being a coach. As coaching is used in a wide variety of areas, so too will there be a wide variety of coaching philosophies. The development of a coaching philosophy is a way to set expectations for the coach and the client.

A coaching philosophy is a coaching tool to help guide coaches in their process of coaching. Having a philosophy gives a coach clear guidance on the objectives that should be pursued and how to achieve them. While adhering to values, a coach can make consistent decisions and broader life coaching questions by sticking with their philosophy.

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) has a code of ethics for credentialed coaches, and the coaching philosophy is a part of this code. True coaching involves holding space for a client to allow their personal growth to lead the coaching conversation. Coaches are not advisers, but rather active listeners who are not wedded to the outcome of any coaching conversation.

Becoming well versed in the ICF Code of Ethics will aid coaches in developing the personal standards by which their clients are well served.

A coach’s stand is a great way for a coach to begin effectively determining their coaching philosophy. Through utilizing the commitment portion of the coach’s position, what one stands for clears the way for a well-served client. Unconditional positive regard is a big part of this, but a clear philosophy can be fully developed through a deep understanding of core values.

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The development of your coaching philosophy should start with core values. Do some self-evaluation with values clarification tools , to discover your core values.

Your coaching philosophy should reflect your values, moral standards as well as your integrity. To show up as your best self for your clients, you should have a deep understanding of why you got into the profession in the first place.

Here are a few questions to ask when discovering that “why.”

• What is my motivation for coaching?
• What type of coach do I want to be?
• Why is coaching the right fit for me?
• What is it that I would like to achieve with my clients?
• What will I achieve for myself?

All coaches tells themselves stories that may bring forth the commitments that will undermine the effectiveness of the coaching. Self-awareness in coaching is vital in delivering effective service to clients.

Here are a few examples of what a coach might unintentionally be committed to that hold them back from their philosophy and power as a coach (Lasley, Kellogg, Michaels, & Brown, 2015).

• The need to be admired
• Ensuring the process is being done “right”
• The need to highlight personal knowledge
• Being consumed with the client’s level of comfort
• Being too polite

To be an effective coach, one must step into the shoes of someone whose focus is not on the self. Most coaching philosophies are “others” focused, which allows for coaching environments where creativity and collaboration can flourish.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself in developing that coaching stand.

• Can my clients expect that I bring my best self to each and every session?
• Do I speak to my client’s excellence and accept nothing less than that?
• Am I problem solving? Or am I tapping into my client’s resourcefulness?
• Are the coaching questions I ask in tune with the client’s agenda?
• Am I actively listening ?
• Am I in tune with my intuition?
• Am I bringing my whole self to each and every coaching conversation?

When a coach chooses the style in which they’ll serve their clients, there are perspectives on growth that must be acknowledged. The model or personal style of coaching can be developed by answering these questions. Expand upon the training you’ve already received to more intensely focus on the personal integration necessary for effective coaching to occur.

• What type of client will you choose to serve?
• What personal view of the process of change do you have?
• What objectives does this personal view require for growth?
• How is accountability established for yourself and your client?
• What personal standards will you bring to each client?

A coaching philosophy will directly impact the coach, their clients, and the world around them. Developing this philosophy allows for a type of “standard of care.” Though each conversation will be creative and unique, having a philosophy for the approach will allow the coach to show up in the same way for each person served.

Coaching conversations can shift and change direction. A coach who deeply understands their coaching philosophy can approach each of these conversations with curiosity and ensure their values are respected in the process. When fully in service, a coach will create space for a client to explore possibilities fully.

Here is a graphic to follow in developing your coaching philosophy.

1. Identify your values.

• List three or more specific values. For example: mutual respect, organization, and integrity.

2. Develop a personal belief system by developing actions for each value.

• Mutual respect — Always approach clients with unconditional positive regard.
• Organization — Always be organized with meeting times, administration, and keeping track of progress and discussions.
• Integrity — Always honor the trust and confidence of your clients.

3. Build a mission statement from the answers to the second part on the path.

To be a source of open-minded support for clients as an organized, safe, and honest coach, providing collaborative and creative space to explore personal growth.

1. Sports coaching

When you say the word ‘coach’ to most people, an image of someone with a clipboard and a whistle often comes to mind.

Though athletic coaches have an alternative role to other types of coaches, many of the philosophies are similar. A coaching philosophy may be developed by acknowledging the objectives of the athletes and the team, followed by the type of coach you want to be, and completed with your personal ideals.

The head football coach of the LSU Tigers, Ed Orgeron, developed his coaching philosophy by channeling Pete Carroll of the NFL (Crewe, 2016). The two are wildly successful leaders of young men in the sport. They are clear about why they are serving their athletes and how they are going to build their team into the best possible versions. They stay true to their values in the process of doing so.

Coach Orgeron’s use of Carroll’s mantra, “ Always Compete,” highlights his mentality toward coaching. He considers himself always improving and learning from mistakes. He brings his whole self to how he coaches, and the results are evident in LSU’s 2019 record. Mr. Orgeron’s coaching philosophy has played a large part in the team’s success.

2. Executive/Business coaching

The relationship between executive coaches and the businesses they serve should be similar to an individual coaching relationship. The personal coaching philosophy can serve as a mission statement for the way a coach approaches coaching in business.

Creating a clear vision of the type of client served and the way they’ll be served will allow the process of coaching to reach exponential growth.

Here are some examples of coaching philosophies from several coaches established in the field:

Coaching is a relationship of equals, where accountability for moving oneself forward lies with the individual being coached, and responsibility for providing the insightful and challenging coaching to support that happening for the client lies with the coach.

Dave McKeon

We exist to make the world a better place – one courageous conversation, one liberating truth, one great leader at a time. We partner with individuals, teams and organizations to help leaders and their teams enjoy the journey.

Greg Salciccioli of Coachwell.com

3. Health coaching

Everyone’s health is important. What health coaches hold true is that nobody is the same. Coaching philosophy in this area of coaching must acknowledge that a “one-size-fits-all” mentality won’t work for improving health or supporting someone going through a health crisis.

Here is an example of a possible health coaching philosophy that could serve clients well.

They recognize that everyone is unique and different, so no one diet, exercise, or way of life will work for everyone. Health coaches tailor recommendations and plans for each individual based on the individual. It’s personalized information for you.

How to create your own coaching philosophy – Coach Ajit x Evercoach

Life coaches are similar to personal trainers. There is an element of motivation that is harnessed within a positive coach–client relationship. A life coach’s philosophy will usually align with the ignition of personal responsibility and action toward desired outcomes.

Life coaching can be seen as an umbrella term for coaching. Beneath this umbrella, life coaches can coach in the following areas: personal growth, career, business, health, and relationships, among others. It is a powerful process through trained, skillful interpersonal interaction.

Motivation is followed by strategic planning, which is generated by the client through open-ended questioning. Once a plan is forged, a life coach will then create space to explore how the client wants to be held accountable. The process can be therapeutic, though it is not therapy. It can also bring clarity and greater illumination of purpose.

The Flourishing Center trains positive psychology coaches who may serve others as life coaches, in addition to other areas of coaching. The philosophy taught in this Applied Positive Psychology Coaching certification is one of “purna.” The word means ‘complete,’ and in this training, it is the understanding that both the coach and the client are whole and resourceful. The philosophy taught in this certification program is as follows:

I have within me all that I need. All that I have, I need. They have within them all that they need. All that they have, they need.

This philosophy allows for trained coaches to view clients as whole and resourceful. It keeps the coach working in an approach that is not advising or mentoring but instead attached to intuitive questioning.

This philosophy enables the coach and client to create a collaborative space for personal growth. It allows coaches to adhere to ICF core competencies and stick to the ICF Code of Ethics with a mindset that can approach each client in the same way.

Each client is seen as the expert in their own life. With mutual respect, integrity, and commitment, coaches can serve their clients in reaching their best selves, as determined by the clients themselves. Not all life coaches are created the same, and a solid coaching philosophy will make all the difference.

This informative article outlines the differences between life coaching and positive psychology coaching .

At Positive Acorn , coaches are offered training in developing a personal coaching philosophy. Though the coaching profession is highly unregulated, training opportunities adhering to ICF standards are creating quality in the profession. Coaches who are taught to develop their personal coaching philosophy will serve their clients with increased self-awareness, confidence, and ethical integrity.

Here are some principles that every coach, in every modality, should hold true for themselves and their practice:

• Living life well is a responsibility to the gift of life itself. Purpose is found in the pursuit of a life well lived. Serving others in this pursuit should be the foundation of every coaching conversation.
• The pursuit of a well-lived life cannot come at the expense of another. The pursuit of our personal best should never deprive another of the pursuit of theirs.
• Coaching does not exist to change or fix others. It is about helping others become fully functional in the pursuit of their higher selves in any arena.
• Life well lived requires interconnection. To achieve it, one must serve others in pursuit toward their best selves. Meaning and purpose are illuminated when this service releases ego in favor of abundance and calling.

Related: Mental Health Coaching Software Solutions

17 Top-Rated Positive Psychology Exercises for Practitioners

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The only place that success comes before work is in the dictionary.

Vince Lombardi

A coach should never be afraid to ask questions of anyone he could learn from.

Bobby Knight

If we were supposed to talk more than we listen we would have two mouths and one ear.

You must expect great things of yourself before you can do them.

Michael Jordan

The first thing successful people do is view failure as a positive signal to success.

Brendon Burchard

A life coach does for the rest of your life what a personal trainer does for your health and fitness.

Elaine MacDonald

If you enjoyed these, we have 54 more inspiring Coaching Quotes for you to enjoy.

When a coach develops and embraces their personal coaching philosophy, fear becomes irrelevant. A coach who embodies the principles of leadership that allow their clients to show up at their best will serve to improve the world around them. A coach who knows and lives with their values will show up for clients at their best for every conversation.

Everyone deserves the gift that is the creative process of coaching. It opens people to their potential and ignites them in that pursuit. When searching for a coach, be sure to ask them about their coaching philosophy.

Thanks for reading!

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Positive Psychology Exercises for free .

• Crewe, P. (2016, October 30). Building a program in his own image. SBNation . Retrieved from https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/10/30/13401740/building-a-program-in-his-own-image-how-ed-orgeron-is-flexing-pete-carroll-s-philosophies-at-lsu
• Lasley, M., Kellogg, V., Michaels, R., & Brown, S. (2015). Coaching for transformation . Discover Press.

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Thank you so much for this wonderful and insightful article. I have much to think about and consider.

This is an excellent article and I find myself agreeing with a lot of points made by Kelly. I think it is essential for every coach ask WHY when they think of becoming a coach. The drive, motivation and ambition behind those thoughts are key. It could also help to take some assessments and determine if they are on the right track. Another point over coaching philosophy is it helps potential clients realise who are going to interact with and the benefits they will get along with assurance of safe environment they need to learn and grow.

Kelly Miller what is your coaching philosophy? Thank you.

Loved reading this, super helpful! Thanks so much for sharing <3

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Coaching Philosophy: How to Find Yours +PDF of Examples 

July 25, 2023

The Coach Factory Team

Have you ever taken a moment to think about what your coaching philosophy or style is?

Both are essential elements in your coaching practice that define who you are as a coach. Your success and impact go beyond the use of coaching tools or assessments . Clients are looking to make an invaluable connection with a relatable coach who can meet them where they are and guide them to the next level. You can accomplish this through careful crafting of your coaching philosophy and style.

In this post, you’ll understand the difference between a coaching philosophy and a coaching style while learning to develop your own. As a supplement to the post, VIP Members of Coach Factory have access to a free resource with that will guide you in creating and executing your own philosophy. Membership is free and always free.

• The Importance of a Coaching Philosophy

Why is it so important to develop your own coaching philosophy?   

A well-crafted coaching philosophy forms the bedrock of successful coaching practices and is instrumental in building authentic and transformative coaching relationships . There are also a few more reasons why you need to develop your coaching philosophy.

Let’s explore them below. 

1. Defining your coaching philosophy brings clarity and focus to your practice. 

By articulating your core values and beliefs, you help your clients understand your coaching purpose, which allows them to stay true to their intentions and maintain consistency in their coaching journey. 

2. A well-defined coaching philosophy builds self-awareness and self-confidence in coaches. 

To be a great coach, you must build trust and rapport. Having a clear sense of identity and purpose can make building stronger and more impactful coaching relationships with your clients easier. 

3. A coaching philosophy is a powerful tool for attracting ideal clients. 

Effectively communicating your philosophy resonates with clients who share similar values and aspirations. This results in more meaningful and productive coaching partnerships. 

• What Is the Difference Between Coaching Philosophy and Coaching Style?

Coaching philosophy and a coaching style are interconnected yet distinct concepts that play different roles in a coach’s approach to their practice. 

A coaching philosophy is a set of beliefs, values, and guiding principles that form the foundation of a coach’s approach to coaching. A coaching philosophy reflects the coach’s identity, purpose, and long-term vision as a professional, providing a clear framework for making decisions and shaping the coaching process.

When it comes to coaching style , it is viewed as the practical application of a coach’s philosophy. Coaching style refers to a coach’s interactions with their clients, their communication methods, and the overall tone and atmosphere of the coaching sessions. Coaching style can be influenced by the coach’s personality, communication skills, and preferences, as well as the needs and preferences of their clients.

At the heart of a coaching philosophy is a set of core values and beliefs that reflect your deepest convictions. These values serve as the moral compass to guide your decisions, actions, and interactions with clients.

A few common values include value integrity, empathy, respect, and growth. These values shape your coaching style and boost trust and rapport with your clients. This forms the foundation for a strong coaching relationship.

When coaches align their coaching practice with their core values, they establish a sense of authenticity that resonates with existing and prospective clients. Clients are more likely to connect with a coach who operates from a place of genuine belief and principles, resulting in enhanced effectiveness and impact of the coaching experience.

• 4 Steps to Develop Your Coaching Philosophy  

 A clear and defined coaching philosophy will guide you in your decision-making and interactions and enhance the overall coaching experience for you and your clients. By continuously refining and living by your coaching philosophy, you can elevate your practice to new heights and leave a lasting, positive impact on those you serve.

Here’s the framework for creating your coaching philosophy.

Step 1: Hone in on your core values and beliefs

A great coaching philosophy begins with a set of core values and beliefs that reflect your deepest convictions. These values serve as the moral compass to guide your decisions, actions, and interactions with clients. 

Clients are more likely to connect with a coach who operates from a place of genuine belief and principles, resulting in enhanced effectiveness and impact of the coaching experience. When you align your coaching practice with their core values, you establish a sense of authenticity that resonates with existing and prospective clients. 

Step 2: Highlight your coaching approach

Another vital coaching philosophy component is your preferred approach and methodologies. Your approach will include the techniques, tools, and strategies you use to facilitate your client’s growth and development. 

Your chosen approach and methodologies reflect your expertise, experience, and training in the coaching field. This aspect of the coaching philosophy ensures that you have a well-defined process to support your clients effectively. By selecting the most appropriate coaching methods for each client, you can tailor your approach and provide a personalized coaching experience that leads to greater client satisfaction and results.

There are various coaching tools and models to explore, but what’s most important is choosing the ones that work for you.

Step 3: Define who your ideal clients are

You must identify the specific individuals or groups you aim to serve , as well as your unique needs and aspirations. Understanding your ideal client enables you to design coaching programs, workshops, or services that resonate with their prospective clients.

By aligning your coaching practice with your preferences, coaches increase the likelihood of attracting ideal clients. A well-defined coaching philosophy is a magnet that draws in clients seeking the specific expertise and support the coach offers. This alignment ensures a positive client coaching experience and creates a sense of fulfillment in working with individuals who share similar goals and values.

Step 4: Explore your own personal goals 

A coaching philosophy isn’t solely about your clients. Your personal goals and aspirations should also be taken into consideration. Coaches often have their own visions of success, including continuous professional development, positively impacting clients’ lives, or contributing to the coaching community through mentorship or education.

Integrating personal goals into your coaching philosophy provides coaches a sense of purpose and motivation. You’ll find deeper fulfillment and meaning in your work by aligning your coaching practice with your aspirations.

• Individuality Drives Great Coaching Philosophies

A coaching philosophy empowers coaches to cultivate authenticity, build meaningful connections with clients, and provide transformative experiences. The journey of coaching is a continuous cycle of learning and development, and you should embrace the process of refining and enhancing your coaching philosophy over time. 

As your coaching journey unfolds, you will find that your philosophy guides your decisions and becomes a beacon of inspiration that fuels your passion for coaching and dedication to your client’s growth and success. It fosters authenticity, trust, and effectiveness in coaching relationships, laying the groundwork for a successful and impactful coaching practice.

Embrace your individuality and harness your strengths to make a lasting difference in your client’s lives.

Written by The Coach Factory Team

We're a team of coaching enthusiasts who hire and work with coaches. Members of our team run businesses in the coaching industry or provide services that support coaches, and several of us are coaches ourselves.

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Coaching Philosophy

1. introduction.

A coaching philosophy is built on beliefs and principles that are used as a foundation for how a coach coaches. Coaching philosophy is used to help players achieve goals, to be successful, and to show respect to players and the game. A successful coach uses a coaching philosophy to help guide decisions that lead to providing a well-organized and productive environment for the player's personal and athletic development. Developing a coaching philosophy is creating a sense of purpose for the coach. This sense of purpose is created so the coach is able to stay committed and confident to his/her style of coaching. A sense of purpose is needed for a clear coaching method and an effective coaching methodology is a must for success. When a coaching methodology is effective, the coach has direction and focus about what needs to be done to achieve certain goals, it is systematic, simple, reliable, practical, and efficient. This method enables the coach to provide consistency for the players and helps them to develop an understanding of what their coach is looking for. When a coaching philosophy has clear purpose, a commitment to that purpose, and direction, it can be shared with others. A shared coaching philosophy is important for coaches because it helps to coach a team to a specific style. When a team has one clear style, it is much easier to teach basic tactics and strategies because the right way is the only clear way. Additionally, teaching tactics and strategies that are coherent with the style of play will help to better achieve success. From personal experience, I have found that my best achievements as a coach have been with teams that have taken on and executed a style of play. Those teams have also had the most football fun. A shared coaching philosophy also helps during hard times such as losing streaks. With a shared philosophy, a coach can remind his/her players about what they are working to achieve and the goals they have set. This can raise morale and momentum during difficult times.

1.1. Purpose of Coaching Philosophy

A coaching philosophy is the set of values, beliefs, and habits that directs a coach's behavior. Coaches have their own personal coaching philosophy. It is imperative that a coach is conscious of what guides their behavior. Knowing this allows them to be clear about who they are and what's important to them. From here, behaviors and actions can be used to reflect their philosophy. Failure to be conscious about this may result in a philosophy developing based on the situation and the environment, rather than from the coach's own set of values. A coaching philosophy is ever-changing. It can change several times over based on the experiences a coach has as well as the situation in which they are coaching. It is important to have an 'ideal' philosophy – how the coach would like to behave and interact. This ideal philosophy should be adapted based on the context of the situation, while still maintaining consistency with the core philosophy. What has been noted already is that coaching philosophy is important. At its most basic level, it is a reflection of who the coach is and what the coach stands for. So why is it important to have a coaching philosophy? This is the question that the writers attempted to research, and the question that they aim to answer.

1.2. Importance of Coaching Philosophy

Articulating a coaching philosophy is a key component of a coach's continual development. It provides a coaching foundation and guide by which a coach's decisions and actions can be measured. Without a coaching philosophy, a coach's actions and decisions will likely be inconsistent and on many occasions he/she will struggle with making the right decision. It is through a philosophy that a coach will be able to establish priorities and thus shape a team's culture and environment. It gives the team an identity, which can be the difference between a great team and a championship team. A coaching philosophy represents a belief system. It can be a series of short-term principles, a statement or a written manifesto; a coach must be able to express in some form what they believe is crucial to team and individual success. Philosophies can vary in levels of specificity. What is most important is that the coach knows why they are coaching and what they want to achieve from their coaching. An effective philosophy represents objectives and overall goals.

2. Key Principles

By far the most important attribute of a good coach is the ability to communicate. It is essential that you are able to put across your knowledge, thoughts and instructions in a way that the performer can understand. All too often we see coaches that blind their performers with science using phrases and terminology that are just not understood - this confuses them and will certainly not improve their performance. Remember, simple is often best. Good communication involves listening as well as talking; a good coach should listen carefully to what the performer is saying, in order to gauge the best response. By showing clarity in language and understanding, a coach is more likely to form a strong coach-athlete relationship. Building trust between a coach and a performer is vital in obtaining maximum effort and performance. Trust can take time to develop, is easily lost and very difficult to get back. It is vulnerable and can be affected by life situations and biorhythms; a good coach can usually sense these feeling shifts and can adjust their coaching approach to best fit the situation. A statement from Aretakis et al (2010) suggests that the relationship between trust in a coach and intrinsic motivation is moderated by the personal bond between a coach and the athlete, highlighting the importance of a solid coach-athlete relationship. Confidence in coaching ability comes from knowledge and experience, when a coach has confidence in their own ability the performer confidence will be higher - this can make a subtle yet important difference to performance. Confidence breeds success, which in turn can lead to more trust between the coach athlete and ultimately higher performer confidence.

2.1. Clear Communication

There are a number of key principles that underpin an effective coaching philosophy. The following three principles represent my values, beliefs, and ideas about effective coaching. Key principles can influence how an athlete is coached and help with the direction and development of coaching philosophy. The three principles are clear communication, building trust, and an individualized approach. Clear communication is the key to effective coaching (Jones, 2006). Consider the last time you were confused or unsure about something. How did it feel? Probably not great. It can be frustrating and self-doubting, not knowing whether you are doing the right thing or moving in the right direction. "If learners are to acquire and retain new knowledge, they must be active rather than passive participants in the learning process" (Wrisberg, 2007, p.67). The communication seen between a coach and an athlete should encourage understanding rather than passive conformity. For a coach, communication includes more than simply talking. An athletic communication climate is reflected through behaviors, both verbal and non-verbal, between the coach and athlete. These behaviors portray underlying feelings, so it is important to consider their impact and clarity. Coaches should ensure that communication is two-way rather than one-way and fosters understanding and feedback between both parties. Attention should be given to recognizing an athlete's needs, how and when these are revealed, and when to provide information. This is generally done through formal assessment, sessions, and ongoing observation. Tailoring communication to suit the athlete's learning style is also crucial. Gaining an understanding in this area can take time and will involve trial and error, but can be instrumental in promoting the level of understanding and learning. Overall, effective communication significantly increases the likelihood of athlete understanding, compliance, and task success, whether the latter is determined by the coach or the athlete.

2.2. Building Trust

As a coach and mentor, trust is the foundation of my relationship with my team. I have a duty to uphold and honor that trust by developing a personal and professional relationship with the coachee. I do this by being empathetic towards their situation and making sure I am visibly helping and supporting them. I do this by regular contact and consistent attention and always deliver on what I promise. By not meeting the coachee's expectations and not doing what I say I will do, it will break down the trust and damage the relationship. I have to be a positive and supportive role model for the coachee where maintaining confidentiality and not being judgmental is key. I have found in the past that when a coachee finds out that people in their workplace have found out about their situation, the coachee then feels embarrassed and like they are a failure. This results in the loss of self-belief and ultimately loss of faith in the coaching process. Keeping the coachee's best interest in mind, I would look to ensure that the coachee isn't under threat and won't face further loss. These situations require me to advise the coachee in ways to recover and look to build self-confidence and re-establish themselves. This involves having the coachee accept that they need to change and that change is positive. I plan to use goal setting with this coachee and look at the progress they make over the course of the coaching program. I can recall a particular coachee who had been off sick from work for an extended period of time due to stress and depression caused from conflicts at work. The coachee was under threat of losing their job and felt the only way out was to sue their employer. The coachee's self-esteem and motivation had been affected. They would call themselves a failure and would not find enjoyment in any activity. From the start, I had to exhibit the highest degree of trust using the AC code of ethics. The coachee was quite pessimistic about the whole situation and it was tough to build their self-belief. I did, however, succeed in restoring the coachee's faith and having them agree that counseling was not the best option but would have a negative impact on his family. The coachee is now making excellent progress and has decided to re-establish a new career in a teaching role.

2.3. Individualized Approach

Each player has different needs, expectations, and learning styles. As a coach, George believes it is important to evaluate and consider each individual when providing instruction. Take, for instance, the college freshman learning to play the outfield. For this first-year player, doing well may be based simply on winning a starting position. In this case, success is defined in the context of immediate reinforcement, not future potential. The approach for this individual may have a heavy focus on basic skills and strategies in order to achieve initial success. In comparison, a junior college transfer student's primary goal may be to make a contribution to the team in order to feel accepted. In this case, success will be based on meeting past experiences, and so the consultancy will revolve around relating current situations to previous ones. The diversity seen in these two examples is apparent on teams in which George has been involved. The strategy is to allow the individual to come to an understanding of what they want and the means to achieve it. As the individual moves through this process, George will constantly evaluate his understanding of the player to ensure an appropriate consultative approach. By using the above model, George has quite often taken players who were considering giving up the game and turned them into ones who love to play. A current example is a player who had been benched for an entire season. Through talks with George, this individual has now decided to play summer ball in order to prepare for an increased role on the team. The focus of the talk has changed this individual's outlook on the game and caused him to become motivated to make a strong return.

3. Implementation

Numerous studies of national school systems and elite sporting teams clearly indicate that a coach's work is first and foremost about getting the results. While this may seem like a truism, it is important for the coach to appreciate the full implications of outcome-driven practice. There are many and varied duties and responsibilities for the coach, yet it is important to keep the main thing the main thing. The main thing in coaching is that we are striving to improve the performance of our athletes. By doing so, we also need to appreciate what it is that we are trying to achieve. This is done by setting performance goals. Goals provide a map for our coaching. Performance goals identify what standard of proficiency the athlete is going to achieve and serve to increase an athlete's motivation. Outcome goals are focused on a competitive result and are of less worth for the athlete. The coach needs to establish with the athlete what they are trying to achieve and show the athlete how to measure progress and success. Goals are not only important for the athlete, but they are also important for how we structure a practice, how we prepare, and also how we will evaluate our performance. A systematic review of the goal set often serves to maintain coaching and athlete motivation. For example, John Smith will qualify for the state championships in his pet event, the 100m. This goal will require a 100m time of 11.2 seconds, which compared to the current best time of 12.1 seconds, will require more specific training for John. With a weekly review of John's current and goal times, this will dictate whether John stays with the current training program or additional action is to be taken.

3.1. Setting Goals

Once the athletes have an understanding of what the coaching philosophy is, it is important to then set goals. This often is a learned skill for athletes and can be a difficult task. The goals set should be clear and concise, there should be no question to what it is that the athlete is trying to achieve. Use of a goal setting worksheet is a good way for the athlete to list their goals and be specific as to how they plan to achieve them. As the athlete becomes more competent in goal setting they will then set outcome goals and performance goals. It is important with the outcome and performance goals that the athlete understands that some factors affecting these goals will be out of their control and it’s important to put greater emphasis on the performance goals. For example, a netball player’s outcome goal might be to win the Grand final, the performance goals to get there maybe to play consistently, display good leadership and communication skills, and for increased fitness to be running out a whole game. In determining goals, the athlete and coach need to recognise and consider the athlete’s ability, skills or knowledge when setting targets for performance in training. Setting tasks which can be achieved through giving effort and can be measured as successful are central to increasing athletes’ self efficacy. When coaches provide tasks which are too difficult, this often results in reduced self efficacy due to low achievement and expectations of failure. An example of this is a top order club cricketer who has only just started playing representative 1st grade cricket. An unrealistic goal to make 50 runs from 25 balls would be an outcome of increased self efficacy but may result in decreased confidence due to failure in performance. A more suitable task could be to increase the amount of runs scored from his previous average at this level, something which can be measured and with the achievement being seen as successful.

3.2. Providing Feedback

Providing feedback: In sport, feedback is considered to be one of the most important elements in the learning process and, as a leader, it helps to determine the success of the learning outcomes. Being a teacher of sport, it is important to recognize that there are two types of feedback that can be given to an athlete, intrinsic and augmented. Intrinsic feedback is the feedback that comes from the athlete themselves, using their kinesthetic feel of the skill or information about the outcome to determine success. Augmented feedback is most effective when the skill level is low and the athlete lacks the ability to determine success. Augmented feedback should be given by the coach after every trial at a complex skill and should then fade the more skilled the athlete becomes. Augmented feedback from a coach to an athlete can be negative or positive and a coach needs to be careful how he delivers feedback when using positive and negative reinforcement. When using negative feedback, a coach can cause low self-esteem and feelings of incompetence from the athlete. Therefore, the most effective way to deliver information to the athlete about their performance is by using the principles of telling, showing, and involving. The coach should tell the athlete what they have observed and then the athlete should be able to tell the coach what it is they are doing. Then the coach can show the athlete by demonstrating the skill and then finally the athlete can become actively involved (Anderson). An athlete will not always accept feedback and it is important for a coach to understand this. An athlete's personality, mood, and beliefs will have a big impact on accepting criticism and a coach must know the athletes well to avoid any dismissive reactions. In some cases, an athlete may believe that the coach is giving information that is inconsistent with what the athlete is feeling or what has been previously stated. This can be a difficult situation for the coach as he may believe the information is accurate and important to give to the athlete. In this circumstance, the best approach would be for the coach to design a small experiment to test the feedback and if the analysis of the situation proves the coach to be correct, the athlete may be more accepting of the feedback (Greig).

3.3. Continuous Improvement

Coaching is all about improving the performance of the individual or team. Improvement can be dramatic or it can be slow and frustrating. The important thing is to understand the many factors that can influence improvement and the different solutions. Improvement at every level in sport is about change. Effective coaches manage and cope with change in order to bring about improvement in their players and teams. Adapting to change requires a flexible approach. This may involve trying different drills, giving less/more feedback, or adopting a different coaching style. The less experienced the coach, the less they are able to cope with change due to a limited knowledge of coaching. They fall back to the coaching style, which their knowledge and experience is based on. This coaching style is often not the most appropriate for the players stage of development and can inhibit long-term improvement. As the coach gains more experience and coaching knowledge, change becomes easier, and coaching decisions become more effective. With effective management and coping of change, improvement is likely to follow.

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Professional Development

How to develop your coaching philosophy (with examples), learn what a coaching philosophy is and why having one is essential to your practice. plus, explore examples of coaching philosophy statements..

When it comes to coaching, no one does it quite like you. But when a potential client is scanning a list of coaches in their area, they may not immediately see what sets you apart — unless you make it clear to them with a concise and powerful coaching philosophy statement. 

Your coaching philosophy is the intersection of your niche and unique approach to the practice. It shows future clients how you’ll approach working with them and what methods and strategies you’ll implement — and it may be the reason a client walks through your door or turns away. As a result, this philosophy can shape the type of clients and work you’ll attract, so it’s crucial to craft the perfect statement.

What is a coaching philosophy?

A philosophy describes your approach, values, and guiding principles as a coach. You can think of a coaching philosophy as a mission statement that expresses the uniqueness of your services and the type of professional you aim to be. It should give clients an idea if your services are right for their needs before they schedule an intake appointment to find out more. 

The best coaching philosophies are: 

• A straightforward guide to your services.
• A framework for your practice.
• An outline of your values and their relevance to your coaching.
• A benchmark for the quality of your services. 

How to write the best coaching philosophy

The term “Philosophy” may call to mind college seminars or long hours spent poring over complex texts. But even though writing a philosophy sounds difficult, crafting a great coaching statement doesn’t have to be painful, as long as you have a clear idea of the services you wish to offer and what guides you. Here’s how to write a coaching philosophy: 

• Describe why you coach: Wax poetic on why you’re in this industry and want to help others. If you’re in a particular niche, describe what drew you to it. 
• Describe how you coach: Outline your approach and any particular methodologies you use. 
• Identify your ideals: Write your core values and the ethics and beliefs guiding your practice. 

How to identify your core coaching values

Pinning down your values is a can’t-miss step in the writing process. It’s not enough to say that you want the best for your clients — everyone does. Here are some questions you can ask yourself as you brainstorm what’s most important to you: 

• What unique skills and traits do I bring to my coaching sessions?
• What’s my definition of coaching?
• Why is coaching important to me?
• What drew me to this field?
• What help would I want during a difficult time or significant shift in my life?
• How would I describe a coaching relationship?
• What type of coach do I want to be?

Understanding the values behind your profession

Once you’ve pinpointed your motivations for coaching and the type of coach you want to be, it’s time to take these discoveries and turn them into the values that will guide your practice. These values will be the foundation of your coaching methodology. Some include: 

• Mutual respect: Approach your clients as equals
• A positive attitude: Act as a role model for clients who lack motivation 
• Integrity: Keep client data safe and establish a safe space for open conversation 
• Organization: Stay on top of your administrative tasks so you arrive to coaching sessions on time and prepared
• Active listening : Focus on the unique case each client brings to the table

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Coaching philosophy examples

Reading through examples of strong coaching philosophies can inspire your creativity. Before you put pen to paper, check out these mock-ups: 

Health coaching

I believe everyone deserves to live their best life — and that begins with optimizing one’s physical health. 

‍ My mission as a health coach is to help clients change their lives by forming positive and productive habits. In my practice, I help clients identify the barriers preventing them from feeling good in their bodies. Then, we work together to set a realistic strategy and attainable goals to overcome these barriers. 

‍ I’m not shy about holding my clients accountable to their goals, but I value a healthy and open relationship above all else. I promise to act as a mentor, motivator, and cheerleader to my clients as they work to feel happy, healthy, and confident.

Business coaching

Many people discard their dreams because they’re afraid of failure. But risks are an important part of life — self-doubt has no place holding you back from a bright future. 

‍ I help entrepreneurs, business owners, and executives reach professional goals they never thought possible. I believe there’s no such thing as failure — only opportunities to change course. As a coach, I empower my clients with the skills they need to think on their feet, overcome obstacles, and stay laser-focused on success. 

‍ I know you can achieve that milestone. Let me help you get there.

Life coaching

When bad habits pile up, you can feel buried in them. It becomes impossible to dig out on your own — so let me lend you a helping hand.

‍ I’m a life coach with over 10 years of experience helping people make positive changes in their day-to-day lives. I work with clients to weed out bad habits at their roots and sew new seeds of success. I believe that kindness and compassion are the cornerstones of growth, and I carry this mentality into every session.

Sharing your coaching philosophy

Once you’ve written your coaching philosophy , don’t keep it a secret. Share it in email blasts, on your website, and on your social media accounts. When you meet with a potential client, review the statement with them and see if they have any questions about your coaching style. 

Chances are your philosophy will bring in new clients—and we can help you stay organized amidst all that new business. Practice’s customer relationship management (CRM) tool is specifically designed with coaches in mind, allowing you to schedule sessions, safely store client data, receive payments, and send documents in one digital space.

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Simple client management designed for teams, free form templates from practice.

Receive valuable feedback from clients and other professionals with our high performance coaching feedback and testimonial form. Get better results with our easy-to-use, customized online form!

Start your coaching journey off right with this simple First Coaching Call Questionnaire Template. Get to know your clients and their needs quickly and easily!

Make sure you're prepared for your burnout coaching sessions with this easy-to-use prep form. Get organized and maximize your productivity with this template!

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What Is Your Coaching Philosophy? [How to Develop a Strong & Effective One] 

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The word ‘philosophy’ originally comes from the Greek words Philo which means ‘love’ and Sophos meaning ‘wisdom’. So, in the literal sense philosophy means ‘love of wisdom’. 

The great Greek philosophers – from Socrates to Plato to Aristotle – strongly believed that emotions are connected to our beliefs and opinions, and that philosophy is a daily practice, so that your principles become automatically ingrained into regular behaviours and actions!  

As a coach, a large part of your coaching philosophy comes from your basic life philosophies, your beliefs and value system that guide your actions. After all, your fundamental principles are the ones that steer you in your professional path as you try and forge a successful coaching practice.  

Read on to know what a coaching philosophy is (with examples of coaching philosophy) and how you can develop a strong and effective one that will deliver positive results.  

What is coaching philosophy?  

A coaching philosophy is a set of principles that a coach adheres to while coaching, including being aware of and responsible for their actions, attitudes, morals & integrity while operating as a coaching professional. A coaching philosophy is about having a clear vision of the values that you stand for and it acts as a moral compass that guides how you work with clients to deliver the best results.  

This belief also influences the relationship between you and your client, the type of clientele that you will attract, and also decides the coaching methods that you choose to adopt as well as avoid.  

As a coach, defining your own coaching philosophy is about being true to yourself – adopting the good qualities of your role models is fine, but blindly copying someone isn’t. Instead take those attributes, add your extra bit and make them your own! It portrays what you stand for, your commitment to your ideals and values that honestly present who you are as a professional and also as a person. 

Read on for some examples. 

ICF and coaching philosophy    

The ICF (International Coaching Federation) has a code of ethics for professional coaches , and the coaching philosophy is a part of this code. One of the basic principles of coaching is that a coach is not an advisor, mentor, therapist or counsellor but an active listener who guides their client in their journey of self-realization, enabling them to find solutions to their issues and achieving their stated goals. 

The code of ethics mainly revolves around understanding the nature and potential value of coaching, divulging real coaching qualifications (coaching competency, expertise, experience, training, certifications and ICF credentials), adhering to strict levels of confidentiality, transparency in financial arrangements, avoiding conflict of interests, non-discrimination (on the basis of age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality or disability) and any other terms of the coaching agreement.  

Is coaching philosophy a fancy name for coaching style?    

No, in fact, there is a basic difference between the two, although many times coaching philosophy is often mistaken for coaching style. 

A coach can adopt any of the coaching styles (democratic, authoritarian, holistic, autocratic, vision) depending on the client, requirements and their desired goals. Coaching styles can change based on who the coach is interacting with.  

A coaching philosophy, on the other hand, is all about the coach’s intrinsic values, the principles that they stand by and the foundation on which their entire lives are based. They stay the same no matter who the client is, their current situation, their aspirations, challenges, or stated objectives.  

The coaching philosophy, a coach’s belief system, stays the same (generally) all throughout his/her career whereas their coaching style can be adapted to suit various clients and their needs.  

Coaching philosophy examples    

While developing your own coaching philosophy get inspired by some of these remarkable examples…  

a. Business coaching/ executive coaching    

‘I am passionate about helping leaders become more conscious and purposeful so they can have a greater impact on the world. I believe that impact can only happen if we understand ourselves better.  

We will start by working together to gain clarity on where you want to focus your impact, so you can become more intentional in how you are spending your time, and notice what you are doing (or not doing!) that aligns with that focus. With that clarity, we can identify and work with mindsets or habits that are getting in the way of your declared purpose.   

Everything you see and do is influenced by your history, so you have blind spots or limiting beliefs that are a result of those previous experiences. My perspective as a coach will help you identify those blind spots and see how mindsets and behaviours that once served you are now getting in the way of your desired growth.’ 

Eric Nehrlich, Executive Coach & Speaker    

‘When patterns are broken, new worlds will emerge. I believe that coaching is an ongoing professional relationship that helps people produce extraordinary results in their lives, careers, businesses, and organizations. Through coaching, clients deepen their learning, improve their performance, and enhance their quality of life.’  

Barry Demp Coaching, MCC (Master Certified Coach), ICF    

b. Sports Coaching    

‘My coaching philosophy is I am a firm believer that if you have knowledge pass it on to those who do not. I also believe that playing sports as a child not only builds character and confidence but also gives a sense of accomplishment. It also prepares children for life, teaching them about working as a team or as a team player, not as an individual. I also feel it can bring a child out of his/her shell or shyness.’ 

Coach George Hornung, Head Coach, Stafford Soccer Club  

‘I consider building the character of the person just as important as developing the skills of the player. I will teach my players through my words and actions the values of respect, resilience, empathy, teamwork and sportsmanship that will benefit them long after their youth soccer days are over.’ 

Coach Philosophy Statement for Recreational League Coach    

How do you develop an effective coaching philosophy?    

Coaching is a challenging job, one that requires you to make consistently ethical & appropriate decisions (in face of external pressures) in order to be effective. A good coaching philosophy must convey the intent, principles and values the coach follows as this will directly impact how client journeys play out and, in turn, impact the coach’s career. 

Here are some important considerations to keep in mind while developing an effective coaching philosophy…  

a. Identify coaching values that are non-negotiable    

You’re likely to have a set of beliefs that are non-negotiable, such as integrity, professional ethics, non-discrimination, transparency in financial dealings, mutual respect etc. You need to identify what your uncompromisable principles are and make sure that you practice what you preach in your own coaching career.   

If you ever find yourself swayed by circumstances or client demands, reflecting on your coaching philosophy can prove to be a valuable guidance system to get back on track.  

 b. Be authentic, be self-aware    

Having a coaching philosophy is all about being genuine and bringing the very best of yourself to the process. Self-awareness of your strengths, weaknesses, talents and experiences, how you respond to situations, tough queries, difficult clients are all vital to staying true to your philosophy and helping clients achieve results. A good way to analyse this is to assess your coaching sessions, observe how you stay true to yourself and what works.   

c. Understand your coaching style    

As stated above, a coaching philosophy remains unchanged whereas a coaching style is something that you adapt taking into consideration your client, their challenges, their requirements and their goals.  

Choosing a coaching style and the reason behind selecting it will help you understand your own motivations, the situations that are suited to your coaching style, the type of clients that you can communicate with effectively and work best with to deliver positive outcomes while staying true to your coaching philosophy.  

d. Create a behaviour framework    

Developing a framework that sets out rules and guidelines for your conduct, that incorporates the principles and values that drive you to accomplish your objectives, will be a strong structure that will help you stay on one path as you create a more rewarding journey for your client. 

e. State your coaching objectives   

Setting coaching objectives or the specific goals that you want to accomplish – developing or defining leadership roles, strengthening communication skills, forming specific decision strategies, implementing more efficient procedures to increase productivity, establishing code of conduct for behaviour and attitudes, boosting morale, changing toxic work environment etc.) that convey the coaching philosophy is vital. It reveals who you are and what it means to you to be a coach, where your beliefs lie, what is more important – client satisfaction or making money etc.  

f. Share your coaching philosophy 

It is not enough to develop a coaching philosophy; it is also necessary to stay accountable to it. A good way to do this is to share your coaching philosophy, either with your clients or with the world at large. In doing so, you are announcing your values and goals openly – not only are you accepting responsibility for conducting yourself in accordance with your stated beliefs but are also leaving yourself open to questions in case of any inconsistencies.  

g. Stay true to your stated coaching philosophy 

Putting your coaching philosophy on paper can be a very useful practice, it helps you refer to it in case you stray or are faced with a conundrum. But as they say the proof of the pudding is in the eating – similarly the benefit of the coaching philosophy is in its daily implementation. 

So as a coach, develop a solid coaching philosophy, live it daily and use it as a moral compass to guide your behaviours & attitudes, measure your actions against your own beliefs and ensure you are staying true to your own stated coaching philosophy. 

FAQs    

1. What is an example of coaching philosophy?  

The Health Coaching Philosophy of Earl E.Bakken Center For Spirituality & Healing   

‘Health Coaches help people connect their life’s experience to the well-being of mind, body and spirit. Health coaches meet people wherever they currently are in life and serve intuitively as a guide and a facilitator in their process of healing and growth.’ 

Jeff Wolf – Executive Business Coach   

‘Today’s business environment demands that both organizations and individuals perform at much higher levels than in the past. As a result, leaders must stretch themselves as well as others to achieve challenging goals and bring about real change in often compressed periods of time. What worked for the leader in the past may no longer be sufficient to effectively address new challenges.’ 

About Simply.Coach

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Sports Coaching Philosophy and Types Essay

Coaching is an educational domain and as such necessitates the development of a coaching philosophy. Coaching philosophy can greatly impact and enhance the daily coaching procedures and strategies and remains a very practical matter. In coaching, it is crucial that every coach follows certain principles based on his own playing experience.

A coach has to assume several roles in life including those of a guide, a teacher, a role model, and sometimes a friend. Principally, a coach must have and reflect a positive attitude. A positive coach will always put the players before anything else. While coaching, an optimistic coach desires to triumph but at the same time must comprehend that before everything else, he is an educator, thus coaching primarily concerns the development of his players.

Coaching is a resolute commitment to the best education that can be given to the athletes. Coaching then comprises the development of character as well as the skills of the athletes. In coaching, the victories and defeats are used as teaching instances to develop confidence along with affirmative personality facets for instance self-discipline, self-motivation, self-esteem, and most importantly an enthusiasm for life. Effective Coaching is an activity that facilitates athletes to learn and efficiently develop their skills.

The purpose can be accomplished by setting pragmatic goals where the focus is on the effort rather than the outcome. Coaching ensures the laying of precise standards of incessant training and enhancement of the athletes. The coach is instrumental in encouraging and inspiring the students or athletes, irrespective of their ability levels, and motivates them to better themselves. This can be achieved by creating a partnership with the players and using effective communication to construct successful associations based on respect, caring, and character with players.

Good coaching practices necessitate that the game is treasured and that the coach feels a commitment to the sport he coaches. Love for the sport is a crucial aspect in coaching the game as the coach shares this love and pleasure with the student-athletes. Coaching is a philosophy that needs to be developed in a positive way and it is the duty of the coach to teach the student-athletes to respect the opponents and make them recognize the fact that a worthy rival will drive his players to perform their best. Coaching is therefore an incessant activity where the coach not only teaches the correct tactics of winning but also the approaches to winning and losing along with the ethical and moral values which are necessary to uphold the decency of the game.

The coaching approach must be educationally sound and the drills ought to serve a constructive purpose of time management and not simply for killing time. The players should be given a temporal deadline for the necessary drills which must be athlete’s capacity.

The philosophy of coaching must at all times be ethical and the coach is the role model for his players and therefore must teach by setting an example of pure practices while coaching and should at all times abide by this philosophy.

Effective coaching can be achieved if the coach has an open mind and uses the philosophy that learning is a constant pursuit.

Explanation plays an important role in coaching and if the coaches clarify why they have taken a particular approach to instruct, the justification will motivate the athletes to a very great extent. The coaching philosophy is supposed to be compatible with the personality of the coach and the issue of sportsmanship conduct must always take the first position in the philosophy.

Coaching is, however, greater than merely abiding by principles or encompassing an unshakable program. Coaching involves interaction in the lives of the players. It is therefore the duty of the coach to assist his players in making the correct and mature choices in all aspects of their lives. The coach is required to assist them to develop personality, regulation, self-motivation, confidence, by raising the set standards of the players. He must therefore adopt correct coaching practices to facilitate them achieve those standards by successfully developing proper associations with them founded on reverence, compassion, and disposition.

The most triumphant coaches are not essentially those who succeed in most of the games but are those who lay emphasis on team cohesion and promotion of an environment of collaboration, mutual admiration, and dedication.

There could be restrictions and pressures that may affect the coaching deliverance including laws or policies, club or school rules of behavior, school demands, parental hindrance, etc.

Communication plays a vital role in coaching practices and athlete interaction. It is extremely essential to talk to the players in person to establish their morals and viewpoint, along with their goals their reasons for participation. A coach must be an authoritative role model in order to have a wonderful influence on the players. Knowing and understanding each of the players, their strong points, limitations, capabilities, and skillfulness, helps in developing a correct approach in coaching them.

Coaching the team with the philosophy of teamwork helps the players achieve greater success. By developing a TEAM philosophy along with personal coaching philosophy the coach can successfully combine the elements for greater victory.

All coaches must function by following some kind of coaching philosophy which may be designed by pure instinct or officially documented. The rewards of a well-planned coaching philosophy are numerous. The philosophy helps to not only learn about the players’ strengths and weaknesses but is also effective in enhancing the deliverance of coaching. The coach can increase the perception of the coaching context like the obstacles he has to face and how to successfully deal with pressures, restrictions, suitable and safe training techniques, and the goals the players try to accomplish. The strategy enables the coach in gaining a better insight into the athletes on a more personal base and consequently, the coach can adapt and modify the training to meet the requirements, strengths, and limits of the players.

With this knowledge and strategy relating to coaching, it becomes possible to develop a team approach that attains supreme performance.

Coaching is thus centered on helping the players and the athletes to successfully accomplish their dreams and as such must be accomplished optimistically, stylishly, and passionately. The encouraging coach and role model will follow a distinct coaching philosophy which will ultimately be a key factor in the triumph of the athletes and will ensure in making coaching much easier and hopefully more rewarding.

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IvyPanda. (2021, August 14). Sports Coaching Philosophy and Types. https://ivypanda.com/essays/sports-coaching-philosophy-and-types/

"Sports Coaching Philosophy and Types." IvyPanda , 14 Aug. 2021, ivypanda.com/essays/sports-coaching-philosophy-and-types/.

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IvyPanda . 2021. "Sports Coaching Philosophy and Types." August 14, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/sports-coaching-philosophy-and-types/.

1. IvyPanda . "Sports Coaching Philosophy and Types." August 14, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/sports-coaching-philosophy-and-types/.

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How To Develop Your Life Coaching Philosophy: 7 Examples

As coaches, how we look at our lives and work is a little different. We tend to have done more work on ourselves and generally devour hundreds of life coaching books or ebooks on the human mind and self-improvement.

Given all this, we also have certain things we believe about our clients, the work we do, and human potential in general.

Do you have a coaching philosophy? You probably do, although you may not have thought about it per se.

Read on to find out more about how to formalize your coaching philosophy and use it to connect with your clients using Quenza’s 30-day coaching software trial .

What is a Life Coaching Philosophy?

A coaching philosophy is a statement or few statements about what you value and how you approach your role as a coach. It also addresses your purpose, beliefs, and principles.

Your coaching philosophy can differentiate you from other coaches and help clients trust you, especially if they have similar values and beliefs.

Your coaching philosophy can differentiate you from other coaches and help clients trust you, especially if they have similar values and beliefs. This can be likened to an elevator pitch or value proposition that details your service to clients without being too salesy. It’s almost like a longer tagline.

Once established, you will use your coaching philosophy when coaching clients, marketing your services, networking, branding , and other business activities .

Coaching Philosophies: 7 Examples & Samples

Examples of coaching philosophies can give you some ideas of what to include in your own statements.

However, never use another coach’s philosophy as is because coaching philosophies are unique to each coach. Because you don’t want to attract clients who will be better off with another coach, it’s always important to create your own.

These example coaching philosophies might inspire you: “ I believe a positive, empowering environment is crucial for my coachees to challenge themselves and realize their full potential. Coaching means unlocking a growth mindset and embracing mistakes while consistently aiming for better.”

“Communication, honesty, and commitment are pivotal to success and I strive to cultivate these in all my coaching relationships. To me, coaching is both a lifelong journey and a two-way street through which people can achieve anything they dream of with the right support, motivation, and guidance. ”

In the sports world , many coaches have explicit coaching philosophies. Here are a few for your inspiration. [1]

I am a firm believer that if you have knowledge, pass it on to those who do not. I also believe that playing sports as a child not only builds character and confidence but also gives a sense of accomplishment. It also prepares children for life, teaching them about working as a team or as a team player, not as an individual. I also feel it can bring a child out of his/her shell or shyness.

Coach George Hornung , Head Coach, Stafford Soccer Club

I am a Coach because of my passion for my work. I am able to foster the growth of my players through the numerous opportunities I am fortunate to provide. I will mold a group of individuals to communicate, to be responsible, and to hold themselves accountable. I believe in nurturing their dreams to be the best on and off the court. I developed this into words when I attended the Women’s Coaches Academy a few years ago. I look at it often and keep a journal for my own use during the season to help me grow and develop as a Coach.

Samantha A Lambert , Head Volleyball Coach, Rhodes College, Memphis

Moving into the sphere of personal excellence and executive coaching , note how the tone of the philosophies changes a bit, but the components remain the same.

When patterns are broken, new worlds will emerge. Coaching concentrates on where clients are now and what they are willing to do to get where they want to be in the future. I believe that coaching is an ongoing professional relationship that helps people produce extraordinary results in their lives, careers, businesses, and organizations. Through coaching, clients deepen their learning, improve their performance, and enhance their quality of life.

Barry Demp Coaching, Master Certified Coach (MCC) [2]

I am passionate about helping leaders become more conscious and purposeful so they can have a greater impact on the world. I believe that impact can only happen if we understand ourselves better. What impact do you want to have? What change could you make that would make the biggest difference? Which of your strengths could be further unleashed? We will start by working together to gain clarity on where you want to focus your impact, so you can become more intentional in how you are spending your time and notice what you are doing (or not doing!) that aligns with that focus. With that clarity, we can identify and work with mindsets or habits that are getting in the way of your declared purpose.

Eric Nehrlich, Too Many Trees [3]

Finally, I want to share my coaching philosophy with you. I’m an authenticity coach working with employees in the technology sector and career changers. My coaching practice is called Salmon-Run Coaching.

You will see how I connect my practice name to my philosophy here.

I believe that we’re born perfect, but then we get contaminated by fears and limitations. So, I’m all about questioning limiting beliefs that our societies have fed us so that we can access our truest selves. Like the salmon that swim upstream to their birth water during the fall season in North America, we come to coaching with the courage to swim against societal pressures and accept our true values and imperfectly perfect selves.

How To Develop Your Coaching Philosophy

Developing your coaching philosophy shouldn’t take too long. Here are the steps you can follow to develop a unique coaching philosophy for your coaching practice.

• Write down 3-5 statements. It’s always best to tweak the sentences and see what feels right for you. When you have a few versions, you have options and can combine sentences as needed.
• Get feedback from others. We don’t see our potential, but neither do we see our flaws. Get others to read your coaching philosophy and poke holes in it.
• Finalize your coaching philosophy. You have enough information to pick a final coaching philosophy statement now. Congratulations!

5 Tips To Write Your Coaching Philosophy Statements

It’s important to keep the following tips in mind when crafting your coaching philosophy statement.

• Don’t be afraid to be creative. If you’re a naturally creative person and use a lot of metaphors and visuals, bring that aspect of you to your coaching philosophy. On the other hand, if you’re all about equations, throw in a few of them into your coaching philosophy.

• Don’t be married to one belief or statement. We are complex human beings. So, there could be a web of coaching beliefs and approaches that you may need to explore before narrowing down on one.
• Check if the philosophy aligns with your life. Once you’ve picked a statement, verify if this aligns with how you live your life. If not, go back to the drawing board because clients will catch on soon enough if your coaching philosophy is not authentic.
• Consider hiring a copywriter if writing is not your best strength. If you are not a word wizard and want your coaching philosophy to have some rhythm and punch, you may consider hiring a copywriter to turn your ideas into catchy sentences.

Making Your Coaching Philosophy A Reality

Having your coaching philosophy written down is not enough. You have to embody it as a person and when you’re in your coaching chair. Your philosophy should be reflected on your website , social media, tagline, and other marketing material as it’s the essence of the service you provide.

People change over time, and so should coaches. When new information becomes available to us, or we complete a new training, our beliefs about coaching and our approach to coaching may change. If that happens, ensure that you update all communications and show up as a coach with the changed philosophy.

Best Digital Software For Your Practice

As your life coaching philosophy and your practice change, your need for coaching software evolves. Here are two of the best software tools you can use regardless of where you are in your coaching journey.

As life coaches, our top priority is providing value to our clients and getting them to where they want to go in life. Client engagement and accountability are key here.

Quenza is focused on the value you can bring to your clients while cutting down on the administrative burden and providing you with life coaching session planner tools.

Nudge Coach

6 Ways You Can Use Quenza

You can use Quenza to help provide more value to clients and bring your coaching philosophy alive.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, your coaching philosophy is an integral part of your coaching practice and feeds into every area of your practice and life.

We hope this post helps you with developing your life coaching philosophy. Please feel free to share your philosophy statements in the comments below.

To get started with Quenza, try out the Quenza 1-month trial for just 1$ .

• ^ Athlete Assessments. (2021). Coaching Philosophies from Sports Coaches. Retrieved from https://www.athleteassessments.com/coaching-philosophies-from-sports-coaches/
• ^ Barry Demp Coaching. (2019). Philosophy. Retrieved from https://www.dempcoaching.com/my-coaching-philosophy/
• ^ Nehrlich, E. (2021). Executive Coaching: My Coaching Philosophy. Retrieved from https://www.toomanytrees.com/philosophy

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The 8 questions that reveal your coaching philosophy.

If you’re a coaching professional, that means you possess a coaching philosophy — whether you’re currently aware of it or not. It is the very thing that drives all your decisions in your work: from the direction in which you stir the coaching conversation to the way you forge your career path forward.

If you’re certified by a coaching center or you’re licensed by a coaching franchise, you might have adopted their coaching philosophy as your own. If you’re flying solo as an independent coach , perhaps you’re yet to settle for one. Either way, making your coaching philosophy a conscious decision is key for you to stay consistent with your actions and keep your integrity as a coaching professional.

Knowing what you stand for as a coach will make it easier for you to express your values, decide how you coach your clients, and know how to talk about your profession publicly. It will also serve as a compass in terms of choosing who to work with, which media outlets to be represented by, or which events to speak at.

In this article, we’ll take a close look at what a coaching philosophy is (and isn’t), the three most common coaching philosophies, and how you can develop your own.

What Is a Coaching Philosophy?

Your coaching philosophy is basically your underlying belief system about your vocation. Coaching might mean different things to different people, so it helps to define what it is for you.

It is your conviction about how best to help your clients, but it may not have a place in your coaching practice. Naturally, being settled on a coaching philosophy will determine the kind of clientele you’ll be working with and your relationship with them. It will also influence the coaching methodology you use as well as the practices you want to stay away from.

You don’t necessarily have to come up with your coaching philosophy from scratch; you can take a look at the principles that your role models act by and make them your own. In fact, if you’re taking a certification , you kinda have to do that to pass anyway.

What matters is that the philosophy of coaching you stand for is authentic to you. It’s not about debating how coaching should be done by others but about committing to your own principles, values, and ideals, that make up who you are as a professional. It’s about doing things in a way that feels right to you.

The Difference Between Coaching Philosophy and Coaching Style

It’s easy to confuse your philosophy of coaching with the coaching styles you use in your work. The main difference is that your coaching philosophy remains the same throughout your entire career. These are the core values and principles you stand by; they’re unlikely to change over time — unless you change with them.

On the other hand, your coaching style could change with every client, or even within the same coaching conversation. It adapts to who you’re working with, what their goals are, and consequently, what fits the situation.

Think of it as values vs communication: your core values as a person stay mostly the same throughout your life, but your communication style adapts to the people you interact with throughout the day.

[ Read: Are You Using All 5 Of These Coaching Styles In Your Practice? ]

Your coaching philosophy is also irrelevant to the type of coaching you do. You can apply the same philosophy whether you’re a business coach, health coach, life coach, or relationship coach.

Coaching Philosophy Examples

There are no set coaching philosophies, just like there’s no official “rulebook” to doing coaching right. That’s what gives you the freedom to develop your own playbook!

But you might find that some principles overlap between the philosophies most coaches advocate. For example, a lot of coaches and organizations follow the code of ethics of the International Coaching Federation, even if they’re not associated with them.

The following examples are the three most common coaching philosophies that you can draw from in your own work.

Winner’s Mindset Coaching

This coaching philosophy is largely inspired by sports coaches who drive their team to success. Just like on the sports field, they believe that there’s a clear and definitive goal to strive for with every client, regardless of the area of life or business they’re focusing on.

Their one and only agenda is to make their clients win at all costs.

They do this by “keeping their eyes on the prize,” aka reminding them of the main goal they’re working toward in every coaching session. Every other objective becomes a subset of the main goal that they’ve set at the very beginning of the coaching relationship. They choose the strategies that are most effective to help their clients reach their ultimate goal, and they motivate them to keep up their momentum.

Autonomous Coaching

This philosophy of coaching respects the client’s personal freedom and autonomy above everything else. Coaches who adopt this principle always make sure that they don’t advise or influence their coachee with their own agenda. Even if they share their personal experience, they do it in a way that says “This might or might not resonate with you, but this is what happened to me as an example.”

Following the principles of autonomous coaching empowers your clients to discover their own answers to their most burning questions in life. It leaves room for a change of mind, and it creates a safe space for your coachee to find their truth, independent from outside influences. 

The autonomous coaching philosophy believes that the goal is personal growth itself and our life goals are only a subset of that main objective. Thus, if the objectives of the client keep changing but in the grand scheme of things they’re constantly growing and evolving, then the coaching process is deemed successful.

Methodist Coaching

Coaches who follow this principle say that there’s a definitive plan or solution for every client that best suits them. However, this plan will differ from every other client’s plan, based on who they are and the challenges they’re facing.

Their main approach to coaching is developing a customized plan for the coachee with the tools and coaching models that work for them specifically. They craft a tailor-made recipe from their excessive inventory of methodology and give plenty of exercises and homework for their clients to move closer to their main objective.

How to Write a Coaching Philosophy of Your Own

Crafting your own coaching philosophy is a similar process to defining your own core values and beliefs — something you’re probably familiar with as a coach. These beliefs form the innermost part of your identity as a professional. They are so natural to you that they can easily become your blind spot.

Here’s how you can uncover them and create your very own definition of coaching.

First, Do Your Research

Look at the three examples above and other philosophies of coaching from professionals you know. Use them as reference points, and see what you agree or disagree with, to understand your own values around coaching in contrast with them.

If you’re planning to get certified by a coaching institution or to buy a coaching franchise , this can become a part of your research to choose the right opportunity. It will also serve as a compass when you select your coaching mentor, someone who will potentially have a great influence on your career.

Next, Coach Yourself

It’s time to be your own coach and get a deeper understanding of your beliefs in the context of your vocation! Answering the following questions will shed some light on what you stand for as a coach.

• What’s your own definition of coaching?
• Why is coaching important?
• What got you into this field in the first place?
• What kind of (coaching) support do you wish you had when you were going through a crisis in the past?
• What do you think should happen in a coaching conversation?
• What doesn’t have a place in a coaching conversation?
• What do you think is the most effective approach to coaching, to create the results your clients need?
• How would you describe a coaching relationship ?

Finally, Distill The Essence Of It

Now that you have clarity on your yeses and nos, you can write out your coaching philosophy in a more articulated form. You can make it a part of your mission statement, turn it into a code of conduct, or write a whole one-pager about your philosophy .

[ Read: The 6 Steps I Use to Come up with Captivating Life Coaching Mission Statements ]

Should You Share Your Coaching Philosophy?

Whether you share your philosophy with others or keep it to yourself, that’s totally up to you. As long as you act by it, it will be clear where you stand. 

If you’re working with a team of coaches or you’re planning to start a coaching franchise, this can be a tool to create alignment between you and your mentees or franchisees. Turn your coaching philosophy into guidelines or a code of conduct that they can follow.

[ Read: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Starting A Coaching Franchise ]

Your philosophy of coaching will also make it easier for your prospects to choose whether they want to work with you. Place it on your website, include it in your brochures, or share it personally during your discovery session.

And most of all, use it as your own inner guide to do the right thing.

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How to Write a Coaching Philosophy Essay

Table of Contents

Features of writing on coaching philosophy.

Writing about coaching philosophy is something that needs a lot of care. You need to show how your coaching has a philosophy, and how it helps over other forms of teaching and coaching. Essays which focus on coaching philosophies need to focus on how this philosophy works as an all-rounded concept, rather than simply as one tiny portion of events.

How to start a coaching philosophy essay

Start a coaching philosophy essay by writing down exactly what you think your philosophy is, and then work from there. Researching other coaching philosophies, so that you can more easily compare your own view to that of other coaches.

• Make sure you know what kind of essay you are writing, as this will affect the structure and the type of language used.
• Remember to make a good thesis statement.
• Start off well – this is your first opportunity to impress people with your writing.

How to write an outline

Writing an outline is useful for a number of reasons, and writing one is quite easy to do. Decide why you are writing an outline, and then use it to help you  write your essay . Outlines can hold quotations, ideas for paragraphs, or be used to check your structure. It’s up to you.

I. Introduction

• Thesis statement : Coaching is not just about sports, but also about life in general.

II. Body Paragraphs

• Understand the rules of the game.
• Understand the culture of sportsmanship, and how it works.
• Understand how sportsmanship applies in life in general.

III. Conclusion

• A final argument which draws everything together.

How to write a thesis for a coaching philosophy essay

Decide what your fundamental philosophy is when it comes to coaching: that is your thesis statement. Since a thesis is the arguments you are about to make in the essay boiled down into one or two sentences, it should be to the point.

How to write an introduction

Writing an introduction is fairly simple. Make sure that you have all the ideas that you want to explore in your essay, your thesis statement, and any history that you want to add in. Put it into a well-written paragraph, and this will start your essay off well. Many people prefer to write their introductions at the end of their essays.

Tips on introduction and thesis statement writing

• The introduction should include a hook to get people interested and keep them reading.
• The  thesis statement  should be short and to the point – no more than two sentences.
• The introduction is what really starts your essay, so bring your A-game.

How to write body paragraphs

Body paragraphs are where the main work is done, and so they form the bulk of the essay. Each paragraph deals with one particular argument, and they should be arranged with care so that they make the most logical sense when taken as a whole.

Tips on body paragraphs writing

• Body paragraphs should take people on a logical journey through the arguments being made.
• Remember to stick to one argument per paragraph.
• Make sure to do enough research so that you can fill the paragraph, but not so much that you are overfilling them.
• Include a topic sentence and a concluding sentence in every paragraph.
• Make sure that each body paragraph fits in with and mentions the thesis statement in some way.

How to finish a coaching philosophy essay

Draw your arguments together and make one final argument in your conclusion. This is where everything you have said, and every argument you have made, will be finally concluded. It is your last chance to get your audience to agree with you and your argument.

Tips on conclusion writing

• Restate the thesis statement.
• Draw all your arguments together in a logical manner.
• Make one final argument to convince your readers of the truth of what you are saying.

Tips on revision

• Revise for grammar and spelling errors, and then again for structure.
• Try and leave your work for a while, to see it with fresh eyes – if you can, try and have someone else reading it to see what you might have missed.
• Make sure that your essay flows logically from point to point.
• Make sure that the thesis statement turns up in the introduction and conclusion.
• Make sure every body paragraph has a topic sentence and a concluding sentence.

Coaching philosophy essay sample

My own personal coaching philosophy is tied up in helping people to be the best they can be. Coaching is not just about sports, but also about life in general. Sports and the skills people learn in them are applicable throughout life. It is my job as a coach to help people learn these skills, and learn how to apply them. To make sure that the people I teach learn these important skills, I take the time to make sure that they understand the rules of the game, and also the general culture which surrounds good sportsmanship. I also take the time to teach them how this applies to everyday life.

Understanding the rules of the game is very important to be able to play it, and play it well, not to mention passing your skills on to someone else. If you understand the rules, that allows you to understand the game. To do this, I begin with the basics and make sure that all of my students can fully utilize them in play. Once that has been established, I work in the more complicated rules and show how good use of the rules is a fundamental part of sportsmanship and life.

Sportsmanship is an important thing to learn, for anybody. Being sporting is something that can lead you to become a graceful loser and a humble winner. It isn’t just about learning how to apply the rules properly; it’s about how to understand them in context. Sportsmanship applies throughout the sporting world, and it is important to know how to handle conversations and situations which will arise during the times you are playing, or otherwise involved in sports. Being able to handle sportsmanship in sports can be extremely helpful in learning how to use it in life in general.

Sportsmanship is something which can serve children well throughout their life. Think of what sportsmanship actually is – it is how to act in certain situations. There aren’t any rules saying that sportsmanship should be confined purely to sports. Knowing how to lose gracefully and be humble, knowing when to concede to another person – all of this is useful during your life. Learning how this is useful, and how to apply it, is one of my jobs as a coach, and I feel that those lessons are one of the most important parts of my teaching career.

My coaching philosophy is one which places sports and sportsmanship in a holistic approach to life as a whole. Coaching is not just about sports, but also about life in general. From knowing the rules to know how to apply them both in sports and in real life, coaching is about helping people to become their best selves. Coaching is something that can help people learn about themselves, and can help them integrate their lives more easily than would otherwise be possible. Coaching is something that has the potential to affect someone far beyond the sports that people participate in.

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How to Create Your Coaching Philosophy [2024 Edition]

Are you a new coach?

Do you want to become an undeniable presence in the coaching industry?

Are you looking to get your ideal clients fast?

The answer to all the above questions is- an ideal coaching philosophy.

A coaching philosophy outlines your coaching approach and core values. It sets the foundation for your coaching program to prosper.

Now you might be thinking- How to create your coaching philosophy?

Ideally, you do not DEVELOP but DISCOVER your coaching philosophy.

And how do you do that?

Simply ask yourself- “Why do you coach?”

A coaching philosophy incorporates- teaching and leadership style, communications, strategy, etc.

I am sure you are eager to get a comprehensive perspective.

In this blog, I have discussed many points that will help you to DISCOVER your coaching philosophy.

Why delay then?

Let’s start!

What is a coaching philosophy?

Before jumping to the “HOW” part of How to create your coaching philosophy , let’s understand:

In simple words, a coaching philosophy outlines the coach’s attitude.

What is the purpose of the coach ?

What are the main objectives of the coach?

What are the principles of the coach?

What is the coach’s coaching style ?

How does the coach deal with the clients ?

What is the coach’s communication strategy?

What are the coach’s core values ?

The coaching philosophy is made up of all the above points.

It can be challenging to be a coach. As a coach, you need to make decisions that will impact not only you but also your clients. You need to meet the needs of your clients.

In order to do all this effectively and accomplish goals, a coaching philosophy is a must.

A coaching philosophy guides you while communicating with clients. It reflects who you are and who you aim to be.

The coaching philosophy is extremely unique to a coach. It varies from one coach to another. It is based on the following:

• Experiences of the coach
• Knowledge of the coach
• Values of the coach
• Opinions of the coach
• Beliefs of the coach

Amongst all of the above, values play a major role. The reason is that your values are a measure of what is important to you.

So, is the idea of a coaching philosophy clearer?

Now, the next question is:

“How long should be your coaching philosophy?”

Some people usually take a couple of sentences to define their coaching philosophies. Others capture them in a couple of words. Some coaches even take paragraphs to outline their coaching philosophies.

So which one is ideal?

You can create it the way you want.

All good philosophies regardless of their length have one thing in common.

And what’s that?

They explain the purpose, beliefs, and principles that the coach follows.

Below are some examples:

Success is building a transformation in the Client. The aim is to fasten the client’s pace to achieve set goals .

To create enthusiasm and passion for the client for his/her goals. To make the individual accountable, determined and committed in order to achieve the ultimate potential. To create a positive environment for the client which ensures constant growth with full support and guidance. It seems easy but isn’t!

How to create a coaching philosophy?- Let’s understand the need first!

What is the need for a coaching philosophy?

Why can’t we proceed without it?

Won’t it take time which I can invest elsewhere- maybe in marketing efforts?

Indeed it will take some time, but that time would be worth investing!

As a coach you must be clear on where you are heading and how will you get there.

Who will set the guiding principles ?

How will you identify your destination?

Who will decide the methods that you will use to reach there?

Your COACHING PHILOSOPHY!

Your coaching philosophy will impact your coaching sessions .

This will decide the development of your client.

Coaching is challenging. You will need to make ethical decisions at times. By having a clear coaching philosophy you can take more appropriate decisions. This will enable you to coach more effectively.

A coaching philosophy helps you to stay consistent. It let you stay firm during external pressures.

A coaching philosophy is critical from the client’s perspective too.

It removes uncertainty and let your client understand your coaching model better.

For instance, your client can better understand your action plans , communication way, long-term goals, etc.

A clear coaching philosophy helps everyone in your coaching environment.

A coach who is clear in his ideas and strategies is always welcomed!

How to create a coaching philosophy?- Factors that affect it

Your coaching philosophy should strive to accomplish just one goal.

And that is:

Constant improvement of your clients.

Your clients are the ones who will skyrocket your growth.

Ask yourself:

How would you bring TRANSFORMATION in your clients?

Write all the points that hit your mind at once.

For instance, thinking from the customer’s perspective is important.

Encapsulate all the jotted points in your coaching philosophy. Keep revising it as you proceed.

It seems easy, right?

Yes, it is!

But there are certain factors that affect your coaching philosophy.

And what are they?

Let’s have a look.

Personality

The coach’s personality matters a lot. The way you deal with your clients have a great impact. Your attitude, behavior, and approach to your coaching niche will define the response that you will receive through your clients.

Make sure that the flow isn’t random. Craft your coaching philosophy in a way that it ensures that you possess an impactful personality.

Imbibe the habits and qualities of successful coaches .

Training and Education

The training and education have a great impact on coaches’ coaching philosophies.

Did you take a coaching course ?

Do you possess any formal qualifications? (Degrees or Diplomas?)

Were you a trainee for some time in any organization?

Did you get professional development opportunities? (Like watching other coaches or learning about various coaching niches ?)

Then all your learnings and experiences may be visible in your coaching philosophy.

Did you have mentors previously?

Great! You have another factor to impact your coaching philosophy!

Ahh…I hear you say- “You don’t!”

That isn’t possible. Don’t you had teachers and managers? During schools and colleges? After all, all of them are mentors, right?

If you have learned from a mentor in a formal setting that’s an additional advantage.

Experiences

EXPERIENCES will affect your coaching philosophy the most. No matter good or bad, all of them were inspiring!

So, the next time when this question pops up- How to create your coaching philosophy?- Make sure you take a dive into the flashback to get your answer!

How to write your coaching philosophy?

Everyone who coaches has a coaching philosophy. If you are not writing it down, your philosophy will be at a subconscious level.

Now the question is:

Why do you need to write your coaching philosophy?

This helps you to better examine your coaching philosophy. Writing helps you to get a clear understanding. This way you can validate that your coaching philosophy is appropriate.

Until and unless it is not on paper, the results won’t be effective. You will struggle to use it to guide your coaching practice .

I hope now you understand why writing your coaching philosophy is important.

Next question is:

How should you write your coaching philosophy?

Or, in other words:

How to create your coaching philosophy?

Your coaching philosophy is a statement which will include three things:

• Your coaching objectives
• Your coaching approach
• Your core values

Your coaching objectives should include what you want to achieve . This will also include what you want your clients to achieve.

Before setting your objectives, you should be clear on your values. Your values will set the grounds for your objectives.

How would you discover your values?

This involves RAISING SELF AWARENESS.

How to raise self-awareness?

And what do you mean by that?

Raising self-awareness means getting to know your strengths and weakness. This also includes knowing what is important to you and how do you react in different situations.

Remember that you discover your coaching philosophy. And for that to happen, first you need to discover yourself.

By asking the below set of questions to yourself:

What is my objective?

How do I react in situations?

How will I react in the future?

The below example will illustrate this process.

Coach Mack never gave a thought on his coaching philosophy. To identify his values he thinks of doing some reflection. He decides to reflect on some important situation that occurred during his previous session.

He remembers how once he had to deal with a client who was rude in behavior. The client was stubborn and not ready to listen. He recognizes that one of his objectives is to hear the client patiently.

Mack remembers how he interrupted in between which annoyed the client even more. Although his intention was correct since the client was not in a mood to understand, the situation went worse. Mack’s reaction was to cut the lines of the client and explain his view.

He later realized that he should have had first heard the client patiently. His body language and attitude must have encouraged the client to open up the way he wanted. Thereafter he should have taken the client in confidence by explaining his part.

This process helped Mack to identify one of his values.

Listening to the client patiently over-explaining his view.

This has made him clear about how he should react in the future.

Reflecting on your responses to situations will help you to understand your values better.

To help you better, start by answering the below questions:

Why do you coach?

• Who is your target audience?
• What is the definition of an ideal coach for you?
• What do you consider as the most important thing to teach?
• What does success mean for you?

Why understanding your environment is important?

The environment will play a major role when you answer- How to create a coaching philosophy.

For instance, if your target audience is youngsters, you cannot expect a high level of maturity and discipline.

Who you are coaching and where you are coaching will impact your philosophy .

You must consider the place and culture while formulating your coaching philosophy.

Recent top coaching trends and development in your coaching niche may also have an impact.

Before finalizing your objectives, you must understand your target audience.

Setting the objectives

After you are clear with your values, it is time to set your objectives. These will inform your philosophy.

Your objectives must address three areas.

• Competitive performance
• Client’s transformation
• Client’s enjoyment

Now your job is to identify your objectives for each of these components.

This decision would be based on your values, clients’ needs, and your environment.

I hope now the process of writing a coaching philosophy is much clear.

In a nutshell,

You want to have a statement that conveys the following;

• The core values that would inform the way that you coach.
• The approach that you will use to coach your clients .

You may need to revise the same multiple times. Keep going until the statement sums up your philosophy on coaching.

How do you use your coaching philosophy?

Many coaches write their coaching philosophies, keep them in their drawer and forget.

If you want your coaching philosophy to be effective you must use it. This means you must live it day in and day out.

You must abide by your philosophy always. No matter whether the situation involves pressure or sudden events.

Another point where you should use your philosophy is while making decisions. If you are unsure what to choose, have a look at your philosophy. If it is well-written it will guide you to choose the right thing.

Maintaining your philosophy is a difficult task.

One way of doing it is reflecting on the challenging situations that you face.

Did the way I react matches my philosophy?

Take time to reflect on your coaching philosophy. Make sure that it is abreast with the current needs of your client. If you are getting negative responses very often, identify what you should change in your philosophy.

How to create your coaching philosophy?- Important points to consider

Below are some important points to consider in the process. Let’s have a look at them.

Establish standards

As a coach, you need to set standards that you want to achieve. These standards will help you to meet the expected performance level. These will apply to you as well as your clients. The standards will help you to evaluate your coaching program .

Suppose that you are a corporate coach. Your target audience is startup entrepreneurs. Your clients must actualize their business ideas into a viable business model by the end of your coaching program.

Define your leadership style

Your leadership style will differentiate you from the rest. This will help you to create a solid presence in your coaching niche.

Set your own leadership style and make sure it develops as you grow. You need a participatory kind of leadership. Ensure that the participants get the opportunity to actively get involved.

Think beyond tactics

Many coaches start describing their coaching session process on being asked about their philosophy. A coaching philosophy is more about your values and belief system. It must reflect your approach to relation-building, decision-making, and interactions.

Take accountability

You must be accountable for your coaching philosphy. Demonstrate that your coaching philosophy is real, robust and tangible.

Communicate your philosophy

Openly and publicly declare your intentions. Take care that you take responsibility for your future actions. Articulate your philosphy well. Be prepared to be challenged if you do not fulfill what you publicize.

Think what others would say about your philosophy

Would your clients identify your coaching philosophy without you telling them? Does the way you conduct yourself speaks your coaching philosophy?

Live your philosophy each day

Do you know what is the best way to present your philosphy?

By living it!

Yeah! Writing your philosophy is important but living it is even more!

Your philosophy should be connected to your actual actions and behaviors. Your philosophy will lack credibility if it only appears as a written document.

Don’t be afraid to tweak your philosophy

You would never fully understand the context and environment that you work in. You will face new situations. You will have to deal with different kinds of clients. Processes would evolve along the journey.

The changes will compel you to adjust your philosophy accordingly. This doesn’t mean that you need to change your values or compromise with them. You may need to change the approach, style or methods a little bit. You may also add some more objectives according to recent experiences or knowledge gained.

There is no ideal coaching philosophy. We all adapt to changes and so does our coaching philosophies.

How to create your coaching philosophy- Principles that will assist you!

• Always be YOURSELF. Don’t try to copy anyone. Believe your unique points and keep striving to get better.
• Always be consistent in your efforts.
• Define your coaching objectives well. Ask yourself:

What do you expect at the end of the day?

What is success for you?

• Establish rules. Set norms and include discipline.
• Build and nurture relationships with your clients.
• Be organized and adaptive to changes

How will you involve your team members?

How will you manage the resources?

How will you set your priorities- investment, marketing, etc?

• Focus on the big picture

Final thoughts

Finally, we have come to the end of the blog!

I hope you could get deep insights into how to create your coaching philosphy.

A coaching philosophy guides you through your coaching journey. It helps you to accomplish your objectives without compromising your values. It sets a clear path for you to skyrocket your growth. A concrete coaching philosophy along with solid coaching products and services will multiply your growth chances.

A coaching philosophy sets the right direction. Coaches can build the right development path for their clients. This allows the coaches to set more effective, measurable and attainable short-term and long term goals.

Your clients will get a clear idea of what and how to expect. This will also attract ideal clients who resonate with your coaching philosophy. In this way, you can filter out the non-committed clients.

With these essentials, you are ready to go! Remember that your philosophy is not set in stones. Review your philosophy over time to strengthen it. Never begin without a concrete coaching philosophy. It will determine the success of your coaching program .

Now that you have understood how to create a coaching philosphy, it’s time to create your own!

Build it, clarify it, write it and follow it. This will refine your coaching practice and make you a more effective coach.

If you need any help, I am always there beside you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a coaching philosophy.

A coaching philosophy is a personal statement of your beliefs about coaching, what it is and how you approach it. It is a way to communicate your values and beliefs about coaching to your clients. Your philosophy should reflect what is important to you as a coach and help guide your behavior and decisions.

What is a good coaching philosophy?

An example of a strong coaching philosophy would be one that emphasizes creating a well-rounded individual, while also stressing the importance of having fun. A good coaching philosophy should also be tailored to the individual, and should take into account their strengths and weaknesses.

What are the 4 components of a coaching philosophy?

There are four key components to having a good coaching philosophy:  1) Establishing clear goals and objectives for both the coach and the player  2) Teaching players how to be responsible for their own success  3) Focusing on long-term player development  4) Creating a positive and supportive learning environment.

What is an example of a coaching philosophy?

“I believe that doing business is a skill that can be learnt by everyone. My goal as a coach is to help my clients learn about and develop their skills, while also having fun. I will strive to create an environment where my clients feel safe and supported, and are encouraged to take risks and learn from their mistakes. I will emphasize teamwork and cooperation, teaching my clients how to work together with their employees and business partners.”

What should be in your coaching philosophy?

There are several key elements that should be included in your coaching philosophy. They are your values and beliefs, your approach to coaching, the importance of training and competition to you, and your overall goals for your clients.

How to write a coaching philosophy?

A coaching philosophy is a document that outlines the beliefs and values that guide your coaching practice. It can be used to communicate your approach to coaching with others, including athletes, parents, and other coaches.

How do you communicate with coaching philosophy?

-Be clear and concise in your communication. -Make sure everyone on your coaching team understands your philosophy and is on board with it. -Refer back to your philosophy frequently, especially when making tough decisions. -Keep your philosophy updated as your coaching style and beliefs change.

ABOUT SAI BLACKBYRN

I’m Sai Blackbyrn, better known as “The Coach’s Mentor.” I help Coaches like you establish their business online. My system is simple: close more clients at higher fees. You can take advantage of technology, and use it as a catalyst to grow your coaching business in a matter of weeks; not months, not years. It’s easier than you think.

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Developing Your Own Basketball Coaching Philosophy: A Step-by-Step Guide

You may feel like you’re in a tough spot if you’ve been tasked with creating your own basketball coaching philosophy. You want to make sure your strategy is on brand, your skill development methods are progressive, and that your overall message is impactful and inspiring. Well, don’t panic! This step-by-step guide can help you approach this daunting task and develop a philosophy that puts your team in prime position for success. Basketball coaches have a lot of responsibilities, from acquiring and developing players’ strengths to creating and implementing a strategy tailored to the team’s goals. But nothing is quite as important as having a well-crafted philosophy guiding all aspects of basketball coaching. From the defensive plays you choose to the words that inspire your team to greatness, developing a strong coaching philosophy sets the tone for your whole program.

Overview of Personal Basketball Coaching Philosophy

A personal coaching philosophy allows basketball coaches to assess their values and beliefs, and develop positive game strategies that they can share with their team. It is important to create a holistic outlook on the game of basketball, which includes a commitment to character development, as well as win-loss goals. A successful coach establishes a coaching style early in his or her career by paying attention to the strengths and weaknesses of individual players while developing team cohesion. A coach should also look for areas in which they can help their players grow and develop as athletes and people. This guide offers an exploration into these techniques to promote growth in athletes, both individually on the court and collectively as a team unit. There is also the point of view that says a personal coaching philosophy does not need to be overly rigid or structured; rather, it should evolve based on the cultural landscape around basketball at any given moment. Determining how much flexibility the coach has within the constraints of their personal beliefs can be key for sustaining motivation and positivity both during practices and games. A personal coaching philosophy involves embracing both traditional values from the sport of basketball, while also pushing boundaries to make sure that everyone involved feels supported by the team structure created. As every season is unique and every team is different, it’s up to coaches to find balance between diverse cultures and personalities in order to have a successful season with positive results.

What is a Personal Coaching Philosophy?

A personal coaching philosophy represents a coach’s beliefs, values, and strategies for guiding athletes. This statement defines the vision of how coaches will lead and manage both on and off the basketball court. It should be dynamic and provide clarity to both the coach and his players, outlining their expectations about the team and individual achievements. Developing a personal coaching philosophy is not just important for having an effective season, but also for helping build relationships with your players that will last beyond the program. A coaching philosophy can be tailored to meet the needs of each team, which could mean emphasizing specific training techniques or programs that build on players’ strengths and weaknesses. Some coaches might focus on physical development while others may emphasize on psychological growth, allowing athletes to practice mindfulness or team building activities that promote problem-solving and self-reflection. Others may choose to emphasize creating a fun learning environment that encourages experimentation and creativity to unlock hidden potential within the group. There is no right or wrong approach when crafting a personal coaching philosophy; rather it should fit the values and goals of the individual coach as well as his team’s mission statement. Having a personal basketball coaching philosophy provides clarity for both coaches and players when confronted with challenging scenarios. It helps articulate standards for excellence, offering perspective when developing team rules or making decisions about awards or promotions. Crafting a strong yet flexible personal coaching philosophy is key in helping create successful players who learn life skills such as discipline and dedication from their experience with your team.

How to Develop a Personal Coaching Philosophy

When thinking about how to develop a personal coaching philosophy, it is important to consider the various aspects of basketball such as team dynamics, motivation, and strategy. Taking these elements into account is essential when creating an individualized vision for how you want to coach. Doing research on coaching styles can help inform your decision-making process and play a vital role in crafting a philosophy that speaks to your values and approach. Another way to create the framework for your coaching philosophy is to consider the relationships between coaches, players, and staff members. One of the primary responsibilities of a basketball coach is to serve as a leader and role model for their team. It is essential to cultivate a culture of respect where everyone’s opinions are heard and valued while still maintaining an environment of accountability so that everyone works together towards common goals. It is also important to evaluate your own skillset as a coach and identify areas in which you can improve. Knowing the fundamentals of basketball tactics can provide the basis for an informed yet personalized approach when leading teams and ensure that everyone involved benefits from the experience. Having an understanding of motivational strategies and player psychology will be beneficial when trying to build trust with your team and encouraging them towards great performance on the court.

Identify your Approach and Value System

Once you have developed your own personal coaching philosophy, it is important to further define your approach and value system. How do you plan to get your team to reach the goals set forth in your philosophy? How will you put these strategies into action? It is important to identify how exactly you will coach, instruct, and mentor your athletes. Will it be focused on leading from the front or from behind by example? Neither approach is wrong or right; however, each can yield different results with each individual athlete and team. When implementing an approach and value system that aligns with your unique vision and philosophy you are sending a message to those on the team about what matters to you as a coach. Developing relationships centered around trust, respect and commitment is essential for any successful coaching journey. It is helpful to remember that your core values will reflect onto the behavior of others, so setting a positive tone can be beneficial in fostering an environment where everyone feels safe and supported. Beyond establishing rules and regulations, being consistent in communication while rewarding positive behaviors is also very important in setting expectations with athletes and colleagues alike.

Integrating Your Personal Coaching Philosophy Into Practice

Having identified your approach and value system, the next step is to ensure that your personal coaching philosophy becomes integrated in your practice. This can be facilitated through structuring each practice session with an aim in mind, having clear expectations for each player, setting goals for the team to work towards, and most importantly reinforcing the values you want them to adhere to. A common debate in this arena surrounds the issue of whether a coach should use positive reinforcement or punishment when their players deviate from their desired behavior. Proponents of positive reinforcement argue that reward systems are more effective in shaping behavior as it reinforces positive actions and decreases the likelihood of undesirable behaviors. Using punishment educations the idea that bad behavior will go unpunished, resulting in further undesirable outcomes [1]. It is often seen that lesser experienced coaches rely heavily on punishments whereas experienced coaches tend to combine rewards and punishments [2]. Whichever approach you decide to take make sure that there is clear and consistent communication between yourself and your players so they are aware of expectations in advance. By implementing frequent review periods with individual players and group discussions with the whole team you can maintain an environment where mutual respect and a commitment to learning prevails. As the head coach your presence must permeate throughout the team; take an active part in practice drills, actively listen to ideas from your assistant coaches and players alike and be willing to learn from both successes and mistakes made along the way. Incorporating these principles into every day practice will allow for a smoother transition when focusing on developing individual needs and abilities within players. At the core of any successful basketball program lies practices which not only aim at improving physical ability, but also strive to create an atmosphere which nurtures the moral growth of young athletes. By using team sessions, one-on-one conversations, specific goal settings, incentivizing positive behaviour – you will have provided an environment which intrinsically links physical development with character traits essential for finding both immediate success on the court as well as long-term success off it.

Work With Players On Individual Needs & Abilities

In an effort to create a personalized approach to coaching, it is important to recognize the individual needs and abilities of every player. Fostering personal growth and development can go a long way in developing a successful team as well as encouraging a positive attitude amongst all players. Successful coaches take time to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each player, build relationships with them, and help them become better basketball players. Some may argue that by focusing too much on individual needs and abilities, the entire team may suffer, since each player won’t be getting an equal opportunity to learn the same essential skills at the same pace. Advocates who support focusing on individual players note that while this approach may take more time, ultimately greater team success can be achieved through emphasizing unique skill sets or addressing specific areas of need in each athlete. Evidence of this is evident in many professional sports teams – for example, LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers have seen considerable success, despite having less practice time due to singularly cater his needs and strengths. By working with each player to develop their individual talents and address areas where improvement could be made, coaches set their teams up for long-term success. When employed properly, it will ultimately lead to refined execution not just from a physical level but from a mental one as well. Helping the individual players become better players overall is an important element of both developing an effective team as well as setting strong foundations for nurturing successful athletes in the future.

Review & Refine Your Personal Coaching Philosophy

After you have worked to create a good set of coaching principles and goals, it is time to review them and refine them as needed. It’s important to consider questions such as: Is the philosophy practical? Are the principles understandable? Are they achievable? Is the philosophy balanced? How does it align with the team dynamics, overall culture and climate, player needs and abilities, strengths, etc.? After consideration of these questions, you may decide that some edits or additions need to be made to your coaching philosophy for it to truly meet the needs of the team. You’ll also want to look at both sides of any debates that come up when discussing your personal coaching philosophy. If you choose to include teaching critical thinking skills in your coaching philosophy, then you will want to research and discuss both pros and cons associated with this approach. Even if you eventually decide critical thinking should be part of your coaching philosophy, knowing how other coaches and players view it will help shape how you implement this approach. Having examples that help demonstrate the value of incorporating critical thinking into the game can give greater clarity and relevance to your shared philosophy.

Monitor Your Practices & Learnings

Monitoring your practices and learnings is an important step in developing your own basketball coaching philosophy . You can assess how effective your system of beliefs and strategies are and make tweaks accordingly. However, it’s important to be mindful of the balance between efficiency and effectiveness: Efficiency means conducting practices quickly and effectively; while effectiveness involves actively listening to your athletes, creating unique individualized training regiments, and improving their game beyond basics like ball-handling drills. One side of the debate argues that focusing on efficiency is a more productive use of practice time. By streamlining inefficient drills and activities that inhibit teaching and learning, coaches can maximize their time working with players on more valuable skills. Efficient drills have been shown to have a positive effect on team morale by minimizing wasted time in practice. The opposing argument suggests that coaches should prioritize teaching effective skills to their players, even if they take more time or require lower intensity. This is because highly specialized skills can carry over from one season to the next, unlike simple drills that focus just on speed or accuracy. If coaches invest their time teaching these higher level concepts, then their teams will become better overall due to having access to a wider variety of techniques. To ensure that teams are indeed improving while measuring the result of your coaching philosophy, you must actively monitor the entire process through its progression. Simply capturing data at the beginning of a session may not provide a clear enough picture of what has been learned during training over time. Coaches should analyze player performance both individually and as a unit by utilizing situational video analysis or interactive statistics tracking tools both during and after practices. Compiling digital records on each athlete will allow for long-term evaluation for players in addition to providing evidence-based decision making for coaches when making adjustments or formulating upcoming strategy sessions. Monitoring practices and learnings is essential for developing your own basketball coaching philosophy as it ensures that teams are getting better through coach-approved methods. Coaches must balance efficiency with effectiveness when conducting drills to properly improve their players’ skillset, which can be effectively evaluated through analytics-driven video analysis tools or statistical tracking devices.

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4 Different Coaching Philosophies That Can Be Taught Using The Coaching Manual

Sep 23rd 2019

Written by The Coaching Manual

In the fast-paced, results-focused world of soccer, the idea of implementing a coaching philosophy is easy to dismiss. We’ve heard all the common complaints before – things like:

• It’ll take too much work
• I don’t understand the purpose
• It won’t translate to the pitch

But a coaching philosophy is no longer a nice-to-have. According to a landmark study from the European Club Association , two-thirds of clubs have a coaching philosophy, while three-quarters of academies have a well-defined development vision. If you don’t implement your own, you’ll be left behind.

Fortunately, with The Coaching Manual , defining and introducing a coaching philosophy becomes far simpler. Read on to find out about practical philosophies that work in the real world, and how our suite of tools can support the development of your own approach to the game.

What is a coaching philosophy?

First things first, it’s important to understand what we’re referring to here.

Rather than an abstract notion about how “taking part is more important than winning” (or similar), a coaching philosophy lays out the founding principles upon which your players are coached. It should span all age levels within your club or academy, allowing for clear progression from one team to the next.

Organisations with well-defined coaching philosophies will consistently develop better players, because those players intrinsically understand what’s expected of them. The alternative is a group of teams that play under the same banner, but have little else in common.

4 coaching philosophies you can introduce at your club

Of course, introducing a new coaching philosophy isn’t an easy process. It won’t be achieved overnight. And you’re likely to face a few challenges along the way.

But the results are worth it. If you need a little inspiration, check out these examples of clubs that have famously enjoyed success through forging their own paths. Each developed a coaching philosophy that fit their needs, and stuck with it regardless of results on the pitch.

Barcelona: The best time to win the ball back is NOW

To the untrained eye, the most important element of Barcelona’s play is their unparalleled ability to maintain possession, forcing the opposition to lose their structure and tire themselves out chasing shadows.

In reality, that’s only the second part of the Barça conundrum. The key factor is actually their intense focus on winning the ball back as soon as they lose it.

Their opponents are already drained – physically and psychologically – having spent much of the game vainly attempting to regain possession. Even when they do lose the ball, this gives the Catalan club a fantastic opportunity to win it back immediately.

Having won control of the ball again, Barcelona players are encouraged to quickly play a simple, low-risk pass, giving them the best chance of keeping hold of it. The only exception to this rule is if there’s a clear chance of a counter-attack or an immediate opportunity to score.

Tottenham Hotspur: The 10-minute rule

The Spurs academy introduced the so-called “10-minute rule” as the starting point of all training sessions, regardless of age level.

It’s a simple premise. Each session kicks off with a 10-minute period in which players focus on a specific weakness, which must be agreed with the coaching staff. For instance, a left-footed goalkeeper might work on playing out from the back with their right foot.

It might not sound like much, but over the course of a season this adds up to a significant focus on addressing technical flaws. Older players have six training sessions per week, so this equates to 43 hours of additional work on weaknesses throughout a 43-week season.

Hoffenheim: Encouraging progressive independence

Despite being based in a village with a population of 3,000 people, Die Kraichgauer famously climbed from the fifth tier of German football to the heights of the Bundesliga in just eight seasons.

Of course, the financial clout of their billionaire owner Dietmar Hopp played a big part. But money alone is no guarantee of success.

Another key factor was their coaching philosophy, based on cultivating independence, creativity and motivation in youth players. Coaches are tasked with transforming athletically gifted youngsters into creative players with superb speed, reactions, decision-making and professional potential.

At each level, players are given more and more responsibility to make on-field decisions. Rather than being whistle-blowing taskmasters, coaches are on hand to encourage creativity and offer support when needed.

In its Philosophy of Youth Development , the club explains: “Youth players should emerge from our training program as resilient team players with great strength of character. We also want to inspire them to be lifelong learners and to prepare them for life.”

Ajax Amsterdam: The TIPS Model

Perhaps the club with the longest history of developing talented youngsters into world-class soccer players, Ajax base their academy approach around the TIPS Model:

• Technique – the ability to control the ball
• Insight – football intelligence and decision-making
• Personality – flair, discipline and ability to play as a team
• Speed – mobility, acceleration and pace over distance

The club believes that the final two factors – personality and speed – are naturally possessed by players, whereas the other two can be ingrained through long-term development.

As Marc Grune, former Head of Youth at Ajax Cape Town, explains : “The Ajax player has to have a very high level and broad base in all technical skills; he needs to be talented, skilful, tactically clever, fast, coachable and have a good personality.

“In other words he needs to be at the highest level in all fields (also off the pitch). This means that the development must start at an early age and continue for many years to achieve these huge demands.

“The coaching for every age group becomes extremely important to lay a firm base (at the youngest level) and continually expand, nurture and develop all necessary skills to the top level.”

How The Coaching Manual can help you implement a new philosophy

There’s no point in taking the time and effort to define your approach to the game, only to abandon it after a few weeks. Fortunately, our software provides many of the tools you need to successfully implement your coaching philosophy:

• Develop bespoke curriculums spanning a whole season, allowing you to map out the long-term adoption of your approach across all teams
• Access expert content from professional academies, giving your coaching team the chance to learn from the best in the business
• Create new sessions from scratch with our session planner , designed to be as easy to use as pen and paper

Start your journey to becoming a better football coach today

With plans to suit everyone, The Coaching Manual is the perfect resource for soccer coaches who want to improve their understanding of coaching and create a first-class soccer learning environment for their players.

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