Cultivating Community and Culture: Insights from Coach Roger Jones

Welcome to this edition of the "The Coaching Journey," a newsletter dedicated to sharing insights and advice from experienced coaches. In the latest episode of the Contacts Coaching Podcast, host Justin Clymo sits down with Roger Jones, head basketball coach at North Monterey County High School. Their conversation dives deep into Jones's coaching journey, his philosophies, and the lessons he's learned along the way. Let’s explore some of the key takeaways from their engaging discussion. Roger Jones shares his journey from a high school student aspiring to be a coach to leading the basketball program at his alma mater. Influenced by mentors like Jesus Galindo and Gene Cotter, Jones developed a passion for coaching early on, honing his skills through various roles as a camp coach and assistant before stepping into leadership positions.

10 Takeaways and Teaching Moments:

• Early Inspiration: Jones's admiration for his own high school coach, Jesus Galindo, was pivotal in shaping his career aspirations. This highlights the importance of role models in youth development.

• Experience Across Roles: His transition from camp coach to assistant and eventually head coach allowed Jones to experience and understand different aspects of coaching, emphasizing the value of versatility and growth through varied experiences.

• Utilizing Assistants Effectively: Jones discusses the importance of defining roles for assistant coaches and using their strengths, such as having former players mentor current athletes, to enhance the team's development.

• Player Ownership: Empowering players by delegating responsibilities during practice and games fosters leadership and accountability, teaching them to take ownership of their sports journey.

• Cultural Unity: Jones emphasizes community bonds and home-grown loyalty, noting how local ties can strengthen team culture and cohesiveness, contributing to long-term success.

• Handling Multi-Sport Athletes: Balancing the demands of multi-sport athletes is crucial. Jones acknowledges the skills and resilience gained through participation in various sports.

• Continual Learning: As Jones transitioned to different roles, he realized the necessity of adapting his communication and strategies, showcasing the ongoing learning curve in coaching.

• Thoughtful Feedback: Instead of obvious critiques like "finish the shot," specific and constructive feedback can significantly impact player development and motivation.

• Incorporating Technology: Using video footage for feedback allows athletes to visualize and understand necessary improvements, an effective tool for modern coaching.

• Maintaining Joy and Passion: Jones addresses the risk of approaching sports as a job rather than a passion, underscoring the importance of keeping the athletic experience enjoyable and fulfilling.

Balancing Growth and Competition

Both coaches, Justin Clymo and Roger Jones, discuss the importance of balancing competitive sports with personal development and joy. They address concerns about the youth sports industrial complex, emphasizing that maintaining well-rounded, multi-sport experiences enriches the high school athletic journey.

Roger Jones’s coaching philosophy reflects a blend of tradition and innovation, community focus, and emphasis on personal growth. His insight into the coaching world serves as inspiration for aspiring coaches, emphasizing patience, adaptability, and the ever-present need to evolve with the sports landscape. As Jones continues to shape young athletes at North Monterey County High School, his methods offer valuable lessons for coaches and educators alike.

Listen to his episode here

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Best regards, Justin Clymo

What Keeps Contacts Going.