Helping Players Develop Voices of Leadership

“[Leadership is] the ability to make those around you better. This is accessible to everyone – not just the most charismatic or the best player. It’s a requirement on our team that every player possesses some leadership and tries to make those around him better.”

Jack Clark, Rugby Coach, University of California

Leadership skills are one of the many benefits that sports, led by a supportive, caring coach, can provide. Within an engaging, positive sports environment, athletes develop the confidence, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills to handle all types of situations. As a learned trait, leadership must be intentionally and proactively worked on by coaches. To develop leadership, coaches can:

Provide all players the opportunity to take on specific roles throughout the season, such as captain of the day or equipment manager. Captains of the day could lead warm-ups and team cheers. The equipment manager could be tasked with organizing their teammates to clean up after drills or getting help distributing pinnies for a scrimmage.

At the start of each practice, identify one player to set a goal of the day. Have them report out on the progress towards that goal at the end of practice.

Implement a buddy system where players support and encourage one of their teammates.

Use players to demonstrate a skill or activity. Connect with the player before you introduce the skill/activity to the team so they know what you are looking for.

Invite player input and feedback throughout the season. I.e. How can the coaches make this a better experience for all? What are we doing as a team that is working? What can we improve upon?

By laying the foundation for all players to develop leadership skills, the coach is reinforcing that the team belongs to everyone – that every member of the team is valued, belongs, claims a share of responsibility for the team’s attitude, work ethic, encouragement of others, and team goals.

This resource was adapted from PCA Trainer Will Jackson’s response to an Ask PCA question.