Motivation

Where does our motivation to coach come from? Many of the guys I played with, who were better than I, have no interest in coaching. So why do I? Why do I spend hours a day reading about the philosophy of rugby and creating practice plans? Why do I commute 60 something miles, three days a week, on my own dime to hang out with a few kids I didn’t know three months ago?

Is it:

To make up for the less than stellar coaching I received as a youth?

Because I could never play the game physically, like I could mentally?

To make a positive different?

To feel necessary?

For fun?

Ego? Ambition? A challenge?

My motivation to coach is a blend of the aforementioned thoughts and an array of others. I used to teach fifth and sixth grade and I felt a rush when students improved in reading, writing, math, and attitude. I feel the same high when a group of newer players find space, run a skip-2-loop correctly, and cheer each other on in success and failure.

One day last week, after an especially well spirited practice, where the boys came together to meet the objectives of the day, I sat utterly blissful on the long drive home. It was sunny that day and perhaps the weather inspired their play. Whatever the cause, it led to beautiful results. Each player working with maximum effort and a positive attitude. Each player having fun, making decisions, over coming mistakes, and being creative.

As a coach and as a person, those days are why I live. I don’t know why, but its something I can feel.

So, I’m curious – What motivates you?