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- The Huddle - Edition 65
The Huddle - Edition 65
A weekly newsletter from The Coaching Dad.
The Coaching Dad
September 25, 2025
Intro
What Makes a Great Head Coach?
It’s easy to spot a coach on the sideline—clipboard in hand, whistle around the neck, barking out instructions. But it’s a lot harder to spot what makes that coach great. This week in The Huddle, we’re diving into the key habits and mindset shifts that separate truly effective youth head coaches from those who are just there to manage the chaos. Whether you’re coaching a rec league soccer team or leading a travel volleyball squad, the role of a head coach is about more than Xs and Os. It’s about vision, culture, leadership, and knowing how to bring the best out of your players and your coaching staff. We’ll explore how great coaches build trust, delegate wisely, create a team-first mindset, and constantly self-reflect—not because they need to be perfect, but because they’re committed to learning right alongside their players.
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Lets go!
Insight of the week
Create the Environment
Great youth head coaches don’t just run practices—they shape environments. They know that coaching is about connection, not control. The best youth coaches understand that the job isn’t about winning every game—it’s about building a team culture where kids grow in skill, character, and confidence. That means showing up prepared, but flexible. It means understanding that each player is different—some need a high-five, others need direct feedback, and some just need to know you believe in them.
But beyond the player relationship, top-tier head coaches set a tone that lifts the entire program. They build systems that run smoothly, not because they micromanage every detail, but because they empower others to lead. They see assistant coaches as valuable contributors, not just bodies to set up cones. They let go of the idea that they have to know everything and instead lean into the strength of their team—whether that’s a parent who knows pitching mechanics or an older player helping younger kids warm up.
Great head coaches ask for feedback. They adapt. They’re honest about their blind spots and always on the lookout for ways to grow. And perhaps most importantly, they’re consistent. They don’t let a tough loss derail their principles. They don’t coach differently based on who’s watching. They show up the same way for the kid batting ninth as they do for the team’s star. That kind of leadership creates loyalty, effort, and trust—the foundation of any great team.
Drill of the week
No Ball Hits the Floor
Sport: Volleyball
Purpose:
To train players on how to aggressively go after low and difficult balls by improving their reaction time, footwork, and digging form. This drill emphasizes hustle, body control, and the confidence to pursue tough defensive plays without hesitation.
Skill Focus Areas:
Defensive digging technique
Lateral and forward movement
Reaction time and court awareness
Proper diving form and follow-through
Set-Up:
Player begins in base defensive position (low stance, knees bent, arms out in front) near the backcourt.
Coach or a partner stands on the opposite side of the net (or 10–15 feet away if in a gym space) with multiple balls in hand.
Set boundaries using lines or cones to give a working zone for where the player must defend.
How to Run the Drill (Basic Version):
Coach tosses or lightly spikes a ball to either side of the defender within their designated zone.
The player must react quickly and dig the ball with correct form—low platform, strong wrists, controlled angle.
After the dig, they reset quickly to base position and prepare for the next ball.
Run in sets of 5–8 tosses, then rotate players or take a short recovery break.
The focus is on no hesitation — players are rewarded for effort and movement, not perfection.
Progression / Advanced Version:
Add faster tosses or intentional misdirections.
Use a second coach or partner to increase unpredictability.
After the dig, require players to transition into a set or pass position to simulate game flow.
Challenge them to “beat the ball” to its landing spot rather than waiting for the bounce.
Coaching Tips:
Reinforce a “go for it” mentality — players should not worry about looking silly or missing.
Emphasize body control on dives: land on forearms and thighs, not knees or elbows.
Keep energy high and reward hustle out loud: “I see that effort!”
Remind players that great defense is often messy, but it builds trust in a team’s ability to stay in the point.
Coaching tip of the week
Learn to Delegate
Being a head coach doesn’t mean being the only coach. One of the most valuable things you can do for your team—and yourself—is to delegate with intention. That starts with being honest about your own strengths and weaknesses. Maybe you’ve never played volleyball past high school, or maybe you’re a great communicator but struggle with technical instruction. That’s okay. Great head coaches know their role isn’t to be a walking encyclopedia—it’s to create an environment where every kid can thrive, and that includes using the right people to help get there.
Start by identifying ways assistant coaches or parent volunteers can step in meaningfully. Let an assistant run warmups or manage small-group skill stations. Invite a former player or local trainer to do a 30-minute skills session. Assign one coach to track playing time, so you can focus on player interactions and strategy. These aren’t signs of weakness—they’re signs of leadership. Delegation doesn’t mean letting go of responsibility; it means increasing your capacity to lead well.
When everyone has ownership, the program becomes stronger. And just as you want your players to grow through reps, your assistant coaches grow by taking on more. You’re not just developing athletes—you’re developing a coaching community. So take a step back where it makes sense, and trust the team around you.
Blog highlight
What Separates Great Coaches From the Rest
Being a volunteer coach or a sports parent often means wearing many hats—motivator, teacher, planner, occasional peacemaker. But there’s a world of difference between showing up to “fill the slot” and stepping in to truly lead. Some coaches simply run drills so players stay busy; others light a spark that lasts—for both the season and the person. In youth athletics, those who stand out tend to share certain habits, mindset, and skills. Recognizing what makes someone a great coach (or parent-coach) is a first step to raising the level—for your team, your athletes, even your own satisfaction in the role.
The Volunteer Coach Academy
The Resource I Wish I Had When I Started Coaching
You’ve seen the tips and tools I share each week—now imagine everything you need to coach with confidence, all in one place. I’ve built a complete course designed specifically for volunteer and parent-coaches to help you feel prepared, supported, and ready to lead. Whether you’re stepping on the field for the first time or just want to get better for your kid’s sake, this course was made for you.
Oh and if you aren’t ready for the course yet, still check out the link to learn more because there’s a free Coach’s Guide that you can start using instantly.
Book highlight
The Constant Coach
This isn’t just a book—it’s your daily reset.
The Constant Coach delivers 366 motivational messages for coaches and parents who lead with more than a whistle and a clipboard. Whether you’re on the field, in the gym, or at the kitchen table planning practice, this book will guide you to show up with purpose, patience, and presence.
Each daily entry is built around real coaching values—like character, communication, confidence, and composure—and comes with practical insights, tough love, and thoughtful reflection. It’s written for:
Volunteer parents stepping up to lead
Career coaches seeking steady perspective
Anyone trying to grow the next generation through sports
You won’t find fluff here. Just honest encouragement, insights, tips, and reminders of why the work matters—even on the hard days.
Friends of The Coaching Dad
A Refreshing Look at Fundraising
How many of you have teams that use fundraisers to help support the teams activities for the year. I don’t know about you, but I get tired of selling pizzas and other things that seem to be played out. These are customizable and so big! You’ll love them, I have no doubt.
Give our friends over at Fundraiser Blankets a look. Here’s a little bit about them: Fundraiser Blankets offer a unique and profitable fundraising opportunity for K-12 schools, sports teams and community groups. These $12.50, custom logo, full-color blankets are provided by a veteran teacher’s, women-owned small business and are printed in the USA.
Content
Free Content
You might be new to coaching a team or sport. You may be a grizzled coaching veteran. Either way, check out the content section of thecoachingdad.com. You’ll find resources that cover a large number of sports, including game refreshers, position breakdowns, injury management, practice ideas and more.
Engage
Email Us
Did you miss a previous newsletter? Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Looking for broader insights on a particular topic? Send us an email at [email protected]
