I encourage you to study coaches in any way possible. With easy Google searches and stories all over the internet, you can find almost anything you want. So why not educate yourself about a coach you respect?

Often I search out coaches of the past to read about how they did things…what made them successful. I try to find upwards to 10 articles on each of them so I really get a good feel for who they are and how they worked. I’ve found that you can learn a lot — from quotes they made to strategies they employed. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve done this and found some really useful coaching tips or found that the article made me think and examine some of my beliefs.

It is an easy and, at least for me, fun exercise that has proven to be very helpful in my growth as a coach. Be creative and find other ways to learn. Go to clinics where you know the coaches will actually give you useful information and not just stories and jokes. Seek out opportunities to learn and grow.

We have actually started a new program for coaches where my partner, Brendan Suhr, and I will travel to a campus and meet personally with a coaching staff. We already have some major college programs that are bringing us in. They are high profile programs with successful and experienced coaches who want to learn more. We will also visit a Division 3 program for the same reasons. Our Coaching U on Campus is open to any program from High School to College levels.

My point is simply that even the best and the highest are always trying to learn and improve. Find ways you can do the same!