We begin our first development sessions for our younger players tonight. The third and fourth graders will be combined in one group, with the fifth and sixth graders in another. Tomorrow night, we will have the seventh and eighth graders.
These sessions kick off our new season. It is exciting to move from offseason preparation and team selections into the season itself. Now we can begin developing relationships with our players.
Early on, I spend a lot of time assessing my players' skills. It is hard to form a sophisticated opinion about a player after a short tryout session. The sample is small, so the impressions can be volatile. We do the best we can, but we will learn much more over the course of the season.
My group excites me this year because it combines talent with players who seem to have strong character. I hope we can grow into something better than the sum of our parts. I think the pieces are in place for us to become a good defensive team. It will be interesting to see which players become leaders and how they lead.
As I grow older, I find myself reflecting on my approach as a coach. When I was younger, I think I leaned into the competition more than I do now. Since returning to coaching, I have come to see myself as the caretaker of the players' experience. I will not score any points, and I may cost us some if I pick up a technical foul!
I often hear coaches use phrases like "my team." I understand why, and that language may fit the way many coaches work. I think I am more ready than I used to be to adapt to the needs of the players.
I hope the players come ready to grow and ready to do the work. If they bring that attitude and I can provide an environment where they can grow, both mentally and physically, this season will be a lot of fun.