Profound Moments and Big Concepts from a Humble Coach

Profound Moments and Big Concepts from a Humble Coach
by Jeff Fogel (Northland Storm, Heart of America Region), CAP II

As I struggled for a topic to write about I began to think of moments that have helped to shape my teaching and coaching philosophy. So what follows are profound moments and big concepts that have made me who I am today.

Several years ago I was at a basketball clinic in Memphis. The presenter was Coach Drew from Valparaiso University. They had just upset Maryland in the NCAA Tournament and one of the coaches in the crowd asked Coach Drew “What’s the secret to being a great coach and teacher?” His answer at the time seemed very simple. However, it is something that has stuck with me throughout my coaching and teaching career. He simply said “KNOW YOUR PLAYERS."

This seems easy enough. However, to truly get your team or students to reach their full potential, you have to take a little time and get to know them. No two student-athletes are completely alike. Some of them need a pat on the back, while others will need a kick in the butt. It’s only by getting to know them that you will understand which one to use and when to use it. When student-athletes believe that you care for them as a person, they will strive to be the best student athlete they can be.

Ever since attending this clinic, I have taken a few minutes each day to simply get to know my students and my student athletes. I can honestly say it has made me a better coach and person. It also gave me an idea of what certain kids have to go through on a daily basis, which also allows me to coach that individual to the fullest of their potential.

I also now believe and understand the value of “Letting the game teach the game” which was presented by John Kessel during the Championship Productions Iowa Volleyball Coaching Clinic. His concepts were so simply, yet so overlooked. Since applying his techniques, I can see a difference in just one week of applying the skills learning during his session. After three years of using his philosophies, the difference has been profound. Getting your kids as many touches during practice is something I will always strive to do as a result of this clinic.

The third most significant event in my coaching career of 21 years would be the birth of my daughter in 2008. I would say that these three concepts have had the biggest impact on my coaching, teaching, personal, and professional life.

This is just one example of how the game can teach the game to anyone. I teach high school physical education at Winnetonka High School in north Kansas City, Mo. Before attending John Kessel’s clinic, or most other clinics for that matter, I always enter the clinics thinking and believing that I am a pretty knowledgeable coach. However, each time I am usually reminded how little I know.

One of the biggest differences is how I now go about teaching my volleyball class. This class is comprised of varying skill level from the complete beginner to varsity starters. I teach at a lower income school where the free and reduced lunch is well over 60 percent. We have every class of citizen and student represented in the volleyball classes that I have. We now spend the majority of our time using the competitive cauldron and many games that teach the game.

In fact, we do not even use the term “drills” anymore; instead everything is a game. What’s comical about the entire thing is that I now do less, yet the kids gain more. How’s that work out?! Simple: The game teaches the game. We spend a majority of our class playing 1 versus 1, 2 versus 2, 3 versus 3 and serve-and-pass games. We also have plenty of tournaments ranging from 2-6 players per team. There are no drills or games that I am the feeder; all games are initiated by students.

Our great volleyball players get better, and our beginners get better as well because we have plenty of help from our advanced players who at times are coaches themselves. The kids get better at reading. They play the game and love it.

I hope they develop a lifelong love of the sports as I have. I used to not look forward to my volleyball classes. As a varsity head coach you see one level of volleyball, and you see a complete different level when you teach physical education class volleyball. Now it is different. Although there certainly is a difference in skill levels, there is no difference in the passion the kids show for the game. When I see that level of passion, I become consumed and motivated as well.

One other by-product of this is that our attendance at volleyball games is better than even our men’s basketball team and on certain nights even rivals that of our football team! This is due in large part because of the love our student’s have for the game. At least 80 percent of the class goes to volleyball games.

This one clinic has completely changed how I teach and has single-handedly motivated me to previously unknown heights. I am happier, the kids are learning more, and it is fun. Our coaches at every level of volleyball use “The game teaches the game” philosophy. I am also a club director and coach, and I am proud to say all of our coaches use the same method in teaching volleyball. Thank you, John Kessel.

The other thing that has had the most profound change in my teaching philosophy is the birth of my now 2.5 year old daughter. We had our first gymnastics class a few weeks ago. Now this is not the mommy and me class, this is BY HERSELF! We were upstairs hiding and watching with the other crazy parents, or at least I thought they were crazy until I joined their colony. Watching your child do sports or organized activities has to be the most exciting thing I have ever done.

I was a student athlete in college, in fact was an All-American in track and field. However, there is no comparison whatsoever with the joy I get watching my daughter participate in basically any activity. I noticed myself critiquing what the coach was doing, second guessing her every move. It was as though I had morphed into one of the parents who I had to ask to leave the gym as they were a distraction to their daughter, but instead it was me.

Then I noticed that my daughter was smiling, interacting with the other 2.5 year olds in a way only a toddler can. She was having fun! And learning!! How is this possible? When I coach now, I am able to see the “parent side” of it as well. I understand why communication is so important. It has to be the parents, the student-athletes and the coaches all on the same page for the benefits of sports to be truly felt at a high level.

I certainly feel bad for athletes I coached early in my career, especially in the sport of volleyball. It is humbling to know that I really didn’t know that much just five years ago. However, you have to teach and coach those five years to be able to look back and realize those sorts of things. The past years have taught me so much about what’s truly important, and taught me to not sweat the small stuff. Our practices are now shorter, yet we get more done!

Although we certainly work hard, we don’t just “work harder," we work smarter. In fact, in 2010 we won our first district championship. Thanks to all who helped me along the way. I am truly thankful.