WYC 146 – Youth Sports – Ben Kissam talks having a Four Quarter Mentality

Ben Kissam is a youth sports coach and writer in Denver, CO. Ben's areas of expertise are in relationship-based coaching and teaching, effective communication, and fusing lessons in sport and entrepreneurship. Website & podcast: thecoachkshow.com Facebook: /thecoachkshow/ Twitter: @thecoachkshow Listen Now: Listen on iTunes: iTunes link Listen on Stitcher: Stitcher link Listen on Google Play Music: Google Play link- - Coaching role models Ben had 2 examples from his athletic career - 1 very positive and 1 very negative. He learned from both Cringe moment His attitude towards the kids - he thought they should just always do what he says. The lesson learned was to focus on getting buy-in instead of just mandating what should be done. Practice format Routines help. Teach them to run their own warm-ups. Lots of reps, but get creative in making it competitive. It's also very important to start with the basics when explaining a skill and continue to reinforce what good looks like. Good practice games The gauntlet - Set up a 10 yard tunnel, and kids go 1 on 1 in it Odd man situations - 3 on 2 Self-confidence Teaching a growth mindset is key. Every failure is a step on the journey to success and it is a necessary part of learning. Be a relationships-based coach. Focus on having as many 1 on 1 conversations with your kids as possible. Captains It's important to have a right-hand man. They can also help with communication - group texts, etc. Four Quarter mentality culture Setting up a practice plan that builds up the intensity throughout and emphasize finishing strong Best team builder Eating together. Pasta nights. Connecting with kids A goalie who Ben coached lacked confidence, and after working with him for 3 years he sees a totally different kid who now is confident Favorite quote 'Athletes don't care how much you know until they know how much you care' The one that got away Ben coached a team of super talented, super knowledgeable kids. They rolled through the regular season, and played a way lower ranked team in the first round of the playoffs, and lost. Best Stolen Idea Have a sense of urgency in practice. Create a long-term vision but create a sense of immediate urgency of the importance of every drill and everything you do in practice. Favorite book How to win friends and influence people - by Dale Carnegie Parting Advice Know one thing about each of your kids that has nothing to do with the sport, and check in with them about it. -- Reviews are the lifeblood of the podcast!- If you like the podcast- please take 2 minutes to write a review! Click here - Ready to be an Awesome Youth Coach? Sign up for our free weekly newsletter: SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave