Ep 2125. Balancing Family and Coaching

Basketball Coach Unplugged (A Basketball Coaching Podcast)

Teachhoops.com

WintheSeason.com

GameChanger Website

Dr Dish Website

CoachingYouthHoops.com

https://forms.gle/kQ8zyxgfqwUA3ChU7

Coach Collins Coaching Store

From the 5th Quarter Studios in Madison, Wisconsin, Steve Collins welcomes listeners to another episode of "Coach Unplugged." He begins by encouraging listeners to explore other podcasts in their network, such as the "5 Minute Basketball Coaching Podcast" and "Coaching Youth Hoops." Steve highlights the importance of leaving positive reviews and gives a special shout-out to their sponsors, Doctor Dish and TeachHoops.com. He emphasizes the value these resources bring to coaches and how they have supported his own coaching journey.

Topic Introduction: Family Time:

Steve introduces the main topic: the importance of balancing family time with coaching responsibilities. He shares personal anecdotes and insights on how coaches can integrate family life into their demanding schedules to ensure longevity and satisfaction in their careers.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Building Family Time into the Schedule:

• Planned Vacations:
• Steve and his co-host discuss the importance of planning vacations and family time into the coaching schedule. For example, the co-host shares his tradition of spending Thanksgiving at Wisconsin Dells, ensuring a break from coaching to focus on family.
• Holiday Breaks:
• Emphasis on taking breaks during significant holidays, like Christmas, to spend quality time with family. Steve highlights that taking these breaks helps maintain a healthy work-life balance and ensures coaches do not miss out on important family moments.

1. Integrating Family into the Coaching Routine:

• Youth Sports Participation:
• The co-host mentions his involvement in his children's sports activities, explaining how he adjusts his coaching schedule to attend their events. He believes it is crucial for coaches to participate in their children's lives outside of their own coaching duties.
• Honesty with the Team:
• Both speakers agree that being honest with the team about family commitments fosters respect and understanding. They suggest that coaches should communicate openly about their need to attend family events, which helps build a supportive team environment.

1. Practical Strategies for Balancing Responsibilities:

• Adjusting Practice Schedules:
• The co-host shares how he sometimes adjusts practice schedules to ensure he can spend time with his family, such as leaving practice early or starting later. He stresses the importance of setting boundaries to prioritize family time.
• Family Involvement in the Program:
• Steve and his co-host advocate for involving family members in the basketball program. Allowing children to attend practices and games helps integrate family life with coaching responsibilities, creating a more inclusive environment.

1. Benefits of a Balanced Approach:

• Longevity in Coaching:
• Maintaining a balance between family and coaching responsibilities can lead to a longer, more fulfilling coaching career. Coaches who prioritize their family life tend to experience less burnout and greater overall satisfaction.
• Building Relationships:
• Involving family in the coaching process helps players see coaches as more relatable and human, strengthening team relationships. This approach fosters a positive team culture where players feel more connected and supported.

Conclusion:

The episode wraps up with key takeaways for coaches:

• Prioritize Family: Schedule regular family time and be honest with your team about your commitments.
• Involve Family: Integrate family members into your coaching routine to create a more balanced and inclusive environment.
• Adjust as Needed: Be flexible with practice schedules to accommodate important family events and activities.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices