Welcome to this edition of the "The Coaching Journey," a newsletter dedicated to sharing insights and advice from experienced coaches. In this edition, we discuss the journey of Aaron Landon, head basketball coach at St. Martin’s University. Learn valuable insights to enhance your coaching approach and create a successful team environment. Let's dive in!

10 Coaching Takeaways from Aaron Landon

• Building a Strong Off-Court Infrastructure: Aaron emphasizes the importance of setting up a solid off-court infrastructure for a basketball program, especially at smaller colleges and junior colleges. This includes managing logistics, fundraising, housing for players, academic advising, and relationships on campus. Having a well-organized off-court foundation can help mask some on-court deficiencies and create a supportive environment for players.

• Learning from Assistant Coaches: Having a strong and unique coaching chemistry with assistant coaches can significantly impact the team's culture. Aaron mentions how his special relationship with his assistant coach positively influences the team's dynamics. The coaching staff's relationships and cohesiveness can trickle down to players and foster a supportive and trusting team environment.

• Fundraising and Booster Engagement: Fundraising and booster engagement are essential aspects of coaching at smaller colleges. Creating unique fundraising opportunities, like running camps, can help generate revenue and support the program's needs. Engaging boosters and alumni in a personalized manner, recognizing their value beyond monetary contributions, can enhance their connection to the team and program.

• Embracing Coaching Diversity: Aaron learned from observing coaches in different sports that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to coaching. Coaching methods can vary significantly based on individual personalities, coaching styles, and player preferences. Embracing coaching diversity and recognizing the effectiveness of different approaches can lead to a more open-minded and adaptable coaching style.

• Focus on the Emotional Component: Aaron highlights the increasing importance of understanding the emotional component of coaching. He emphasizes the significance of managing players' experiences, team dynamics, and emotional well-being. Building a positive and supportive team culture that aligns with players' values and preferences can be crucial in enhancing team performance and overall success.

• Relationship is King: Building strong relationships with players is crucial in coaching. Landon emphasizes the importance of connecting with players and understanding them as individuals, helping them grow as adults and leaders.

• Embrace Reflection and Learning from Failure: Landon shares a transformative moment in his coaching career when he faced failure and took the time to self-reflect. Embracing failure and learning from it is essential for personal and professional growth.

• Choose Your Battles Wisely: As a coach, it's important to prioritize which issues are worth fighting for and which ones can be overlooked. Not all battles are worth pursuing, and knowing when to let go can save time and energy.

• Empower Athletes and Listen to Their Voices: Landon appreciates the empowerment of athletes in modern basketball. Listening to players' perspectives and involving them in decision-making can lead to a more cohesive and successful team environment.

• Embrace Change and Modern Trends: The coaching landscape is continually evolving, with changes like the transfer portal and evolving playing styles. Coaches should be open to embracing positive aspects of these changes and adapting their approach accordingly.

Synopsis

Aaron Landon's coaching wisdom covers vital aspects of coaching success. From building a supportive infrastructure and strong relationships to embracing diversity and change, these takeaways will elevate your coaching game. Empower your athletes, learn from failures, and choose your battles wisely for a thriving team environment.

Listen to his episode here: ApplePodcast, Spotify

Watch his episode here: YouTube

If you enjoyed this newsletter and find it valuable, please subscribe and share widely within your network. Stay tuned for more coaching insights and success stories in our next newsletter. Wishing you a rewarding coaching journey!

Best regards, Justin Clymo

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