I have never been a coach. Yes I have helped out when asked to do so, but knowing my teaching skills, it’s not something I believe I would be good at doing. But when a coach is good, and can handle the responsibilities of making a team a team, it’s very obvious they have a tremendous amount of talent.
Some of the best coaches I have seen have been John Wooden, Phil Jackson, Scotty Bowman and Joe Torre; they not only knew how to win, but they could keep egos in check. The four above have coached some of the greatest talent to ever step on the ice, court, or field. I remember when the Chicago Bulls traded Will Purdue for Dennis Rodman. Will Purdue seemed to be a safe, non-confrontational bet---Rodman was the complete opposite. But what Phil Jackson knew how to do was to make his team work together---how? He used Zen. Go figure. But then again he created a dynasty.
The other night I witnessed another great coach. He is the coach of the Glenbard West Hilltoppers. (AKA Hitters.) Sure he is not of the caliber of the names above, but what he did was just as big. He took a group of teenagers and molded them into a really good football team. He didn’t have to step on the field or play a single down---but he won the respect of every player (and every fan in the stands). You could see it when the players looked at him---he had them where he needed them to be, focused on the biggest game of their lives and working together as a team. That’s what a great coach has to do. In football yelling is a part of the game; coaches and assistant coaches are quite good at it--yet these kids listen. (Better than my kids do.)
But there is another side---these coaches really care about their players; at least the goods one do! I have been fortunate to see how the great coaches respond to their players before, during and after the game. Yes they do chew them out at times, but like a parent they also put their arms around them to let them know they believe in them. Next time you go to a ballgame watch the coach and notice how he interacts with his or her team. You just might be surprised---and impressed.
I have read a number of photography books (okay, I have looked at the pictures too) and when it comes to sports photography, all photographers say, “Look for that special moment where there is interaction.” The one that happens when the play is over, before it’s begun, or when players interact with their coaches/managers.
The photo above was taken at the Glenbard West/Wheaton Warrenville championship game on Saturday; the game had ended and this picture demonstrates why players care about their coaches. For many, they’re a father figure; they want to impress their coach and be told they did a good job. Most important, they want to hear their coach is proud of them. On Saturday night, each coach on the field had every reason to say these words to their team---no matter what side of the field you were on, they played a great game.
Thanks for stopping by.
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