Bobby Ciatti

Coaching

Philosophy
& Resources

Help players learn the game, trust one another, and compete without fear. Be demanding about habits and generous with dignity.

The framework

BASICS

Six reminders that keep teaching, decisions, and effort connected.

01

Ball

Always see the ball

02

Aggression

Be aggressive

03

Spacing

Create or deny space

04

Intelligence

Constant learning

05

Composure

Play through mistakes

06

Sweat

Work hard—compete on every play

Coach development

Coach Academy

Three working sessions for building culture, planning better practices, and leading on game day.

Session 01

Culture

Build an environment where players feel known, safe, challenged, connected, and able to grow.

Open presentation
Session 02

Planning and Executing Practice

Turn priorities into purposeful practice plans that teach skills, decisions, and team concepts.

Open presentation
Session 03

Game-Day Coaching

Lead with clarity and composure before, during, and after competition.

Open presentation

Working guide

Coach Best Practices

A program-neutral guide for communicating, teaching, and leading young players.

Communication

  • Set expectations with players and families early.
  • Give specific, brief, behavior-focused feedback.
  • Ask questions and listen before assuming.
  • Correct privately when possible and protect every player’s dignity.
  • Coordinate assistant coaches so players receive one consistent message.
  • Communicate directly with parents, listen respectfully, and hold yourself accountable.

Practice

  • Plan each practice around the team’s current needs.
  • Share the plan and coaching roles with assistants.
  • Use skill development to support the concepts taught later in practice.
  • Walk through new ideas before increasing speed and pressure.
  • Use live play to reinforce targeted goals rather than defaulting to full scrimmages.
  • Finish together with one clear message for the group.

Game day

  • Make sure families know the schedule and volunteer responsibilities.
  • Define bench roles for every coach before the game.
  • Keep assistant coaches focused on players and useful observations.
  • Coach the next play with short, actionable language.
  • Use timeouts to identify what is happening, what must change, and what success looks like.
  • After the game, recognize effort and connection, then carry one learning point into the next practice.