Found a copy of this book after it was recommended at a coaching clinic I attended. This book would pair well with Parker Palmer's book, The Courage to Teach. Many of the ideas seem like common sense, yet in the world of athletics, common sense is often missing. First, Ehrmann writes about the importance of knowing oneself and being able to tell one's own story. Doing this background work helps to understand why you are coaching. Is it to help young people learn a sport, learn some skills and teamwork, and have fun, or is it to boost your own ego, relive your childhood and maybe catch a few of those "glory days."
Ehrmann spends a good bit of time describing and criticizing "transactional" coaches who coach for reasons other than the good of the athletes. Instead, Erhmann encourages what he calls "transformational" coaching. The basic premise is that participation in athletics can be an important key to helping young people mature, develop character, and moral values. Erhmann provides examples from his experience as an high school, college and professional athlete, along with examples of both transactional and transformational coaches in his life.
Ehrmann's approach resonates with me and I like to think I have done some of what he recommends during my coaching career. This book is an excellent reminder of the power coaches have in the lives of young people. It is a call to coach in a way which brings out the best in youth and to focus on more than the won-loss record. I would recommend this book to all, especially those just starting their coaching careers.
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