Coaching Philosophies: Finding Your Why
- Darren Bezzina
- Jul 28, 2025
- 2 min read
Because sets and reps are only half the story.
Walk onto any training pitch, court, or gym, and you’ll find coaches shouting cues, refining techniques, and managing sessions. But pause for a moment — how many of those coaches have ever truly asked themselves: Why do I coach?
This isn’t a trick question. It’s the foundation of your coaching philosophy — and if you haven’t built one yet, it’s never too late.
What is a Coaching Philosophy?
A coaching philosophy isn’t a set of rules. It’s a personal framework. It reflects your values, your goals, and the impact you want to leave on the athletes you work with. It’s the lens through which you make decisions — from how you give feedback, to how you respond when an athlete fails, to how you measure success.
Some philosophies are built on discipline. Others on compassion. Some revolve around performance. Others around participation. None of them are wrong — as long as they’re authentic.
Why Your “Why” Matters
Without a clear philosophy, it’s easy to get lost in the noise — to copy other coaches blindly, to measure your worth by medals, or to burn out chasing someone else’s definition of success.
But when you’re clear on your why, everything changes:
You communicate more confidently.
You build stronger relationships with athletes.
You handle setbacks with perspective.
You coach with purpose, not just routine.
Questions to Ask Yourself
What motivated you to start coaching?
What values do you hold most dear?
What does success look like for you — and for your athletes?
How do you want your athletes to describe you in 10 years?
Write down your answers. Revisit them often. Like your athletes, your philosophy will evolve.
Want a Challenge?
Try writing your coaching philosophy in three sentences. No buzzwords. Just truth.
Here’s one example:
"I coach to help young people build confidence and discipline through sport. I believe every athlete deserves to be heard, challenged, and supported. My job isn’t to create champions — it’s to shape good humans who might one day become champions."
Final Thought
The most powerful thing you bring to the coaching arena isn’t your knowledge. It’s your why. Everything else flows from that.
Have you written your coaching philosophy? Share it in the comments — or tag a coach who’s helped you find yours.
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