I was sitting here today just thinking about our sport and decided to put some of my coaching philosophies to written words. One, to maybe help a newer coach or dad out and two, so I can remember some of this later on down the road.

I've always tried to live my life and revolve my coaching philosophy through two quotes that sums it up perfect. One by the great baseball player, Roberto Clemente and the other by someone I can't recall but it always stuck in my head. They state "Any time you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world and you don't, then you are wasting your time on Earth," by Roberto Clemente and "There is nothing more tragic in life than wasted talent."

These two quotes couldn't be anymore true with any athlete, student or adult for that matter.

What are we on this Earth for? To simply live life and then die? Or, are we here to live life and try and help others around us so they can have a good life as well?

And, if we have a talent in something, but are not willing to work hard at perfecting it, are we wasting our time on Earth?

I truly believe we are put on this Earth, to not only lead a good life by being a good person, good husband or even a good coach, but in doing so, you either do it 100% or you don't do it at all. If you have a certain talent, then you totally go for it and become the best you can be at it or not at all. There is no half-assing any of these things, whatever they may be. It is better to have tried to the best of your abilities to succeed and fail, than to half-ass your attempt at greatness.

So, I bring this philosophy into our practice room and on our white board it states, "There is nothing more tragic in life, than wasted talent." We re-interate this with our kids to remind them that if they aren't doing the things to become successful at whatever it is they are working towards, then they only have themselves to blame. And, at the same time, it is a reminder to us coaches to think if we are doing what it takes to help our kids reach their goals, as well.

Coaches are held to same standards as the athletes when it comes to hardwork in the wrestling room. Here is a list of questions I think we should all ask ourselves from time to time: 

Are you taking the time to get to know your athletes, so you know how each one should be coached?
Each kid is different and none of them ever think alike, so as a coach you need to know how well each individual will learn your technique and absorb it. Each person is either a auditory(good listener and follows instructions well), visual(good at reading instructions or seeing and doing the technique) and tactical(they need to do the technique to learn it well). We also need to know if our kids are repetitive type kids that need to do things a thousand times to get it right or the type of kid who can see it done once and do it with very little practice. Basically, if a kid is a good driller or would rather just live wrestle and work the kinks out that way. Also, some kids are very goal oriented, so we need to get them to write down their goals or keep their goals in a visual location. Once their goal is acheived, make a new one so they are always challenging themselves to get better.

Are you taking the time to study new or old technique by watching technique DVD's, wrestling matches or travleing to camps?
Me personally, I'm always watching wrestling matches to learn new technique, positioning or whatever else. I also take the time to chat with coaches to find out what they do that works and what doesn't. College, high school or club coaches. Everyone has something to offer and you can always learn something new, whether you've coached for 1yr or 30yrs. Never be so set in your ways that you're not willing to learn new things or change.

Are you coaching your kids to their ability and not just yours?
I've learned over time, as I'm sure you have as well, that some kids simply are built for certain technique only and simply won't ever be able to do some of the moves we teach. So, instead of trying to teach your 5' 2" 160lber how to leg ride, you should find something a little more built for his build. Everyone is built different, we just need to take the time to figure each individual out.

Are you spending extra time after practice working with kids when needed or are you just waiting for practice to end?
This is especially important. If you are into coaching just for the pay check and not for the overall success of your program, then you're in it for the wrong reasons and coaching probably isn't for you. Take the time to stay after if a kid asks or encourage kids to stay after when needed. That extra 5 mins. you spend with them, may make the difference between a 6th place at districts to a league champ.

Are you actively promoting your program to the public, as well as promoting college wrestling in your state?
Kids are always looking for their names in the paper, so why not help them with that. The more they see it, the more apt they are to work harder at getting it there more often. And along those lines, are you actively telling your kids about college wrestling? Tell them about upcoming matches on television, or better yet, if time permits, take them to a college dual. Who knows, maybe they'll learn something. Tell them what are some of the state or national websites, where they can read about wrestling or even find videos of matches.

Are we active in our community?
While our top priority is coaching successful wrestlers, another priority we should have is making solid citizens out of them as well. Organize a city clean up day or get some wrestlers to volunteer to help at some kind of charity event. Whatever it is, it will teach our kids to keep things in perspective and make better people out of them. One of the best memories I have of coaching is when we found out one of our wrestlers families wouldn't be having Christmas one year due to family issues. So, I organized for them to come eat dinner at our home and arranged for gifts to be bought.

Are you sharing your coaching philosophies with your wrestlers?
I am always trying to engrave our coaches philosophies into our kids' heads in a positive way. One that I try to make them remember by asking them, "What wins matches?" I tell them hard work, then talent, then heart. Talent will help you out in most matches, but the person who works the hardest will most likely win so you need both. However, when all else fails, heart is what will win you those matches when the deck is stacked against you. Heart is what gets you through the close matches. Heart is what tells you to push yourself when you have nothing left. Heart is what scores you a takedown or turn with 5 secs left and you're down by one. Heart is what wins championships. Add in talent and hardwork and you got it made.

One of the best ways to improve your program from the ground up is to constantly be showing your athletes that you are working just as hard as they are to make them and the team better. If you are always willing to go the extra mile for your team and kids, eventually the kids and parents will see that and your team will be met with success. And remember, you can have all the talent in the world, but if you're not willing to work hard, then what's the point.

This is not meant to say I know everything, but simply states what I believe in and what I try to preach to our kids. Use it as a learning tool if wanted and take it for what you think its worth.