Steal plays, not philosophies
The best coaches are thieves. They see a play, a scheme, or a drill that works, and they "borrow" it to fit their own needs. But when it comes to your coaching philosophy, you can’t simply copy and paste someone else’s approach and expect the same results.
I am as guilty as the next, studying the philosophies of Nick Saban, Dawn Staley, John Wooden, Pat Summitt, Jurgen Klopp, Steve Kerr, and the list goes on and on…
But the magic doesn’t lie in the philosophy itself—it’s in the creation. It's in the reflection, the iteration, the deep digging into what really drives your coaching values. It’s about crafting a philosophy that resonates with your beliefs, your team, and your goals.
A coaching philosophy is a set of guiding beliefs that define how you approach coaching, what you prioritize, and how you measure success. It’s based on your values and principles, which influence how you lead athletes and build team culture.
Why Your Coaching Philosophy Matters
Every coach operates from assumptions about what leads to success. The difference between good coaching and great coaching often comes down to whether those assumptions are clearly defined and consistently applied.
A coaching philosophy provides clarity and consistency, which helps avoid confusion about team expectations, playing style, discipline, and long-term goals. When your philosophy is clear, it’s easier to make decisions and communicate your reasoning to athletes, staff, and other stakeholders.
A clear coaching philosophy:
Helps you make aligned decisions, even under pressure
Enables you to remain consistent in tough moments
Builds trust with athletes, staff, and management
Keeps you focused and grounded during the challenges of a season
Ultimately, your philosophy becomes a leadership tool that fosters a culture of clarity, accountability, and purpose.
Questions every coach should answer
While you may not have a fully articulated philosophy today, reflecting on key questions can help you begin shaping it:
Why did I become a coach?
What core beliefs have I picked up from my coaching career? Where did I learn them?
How do I define success for myself and my athletes?
What characterizes a great coach-athlete relationship?
What characterizes a great team?
What do I want my athletes to say about our culture and my leadership 10 years later?
Developing a coaching philosophy is an ongoing process. Reflecting on these questions can provide a strong foundation for creating a philosophy that will guide your decisions and leadership for years to come.
