One moments patience is all it takes   

(part of a series of previously published articles by John Morrison, A Sporting View) 

LAST Sunday week Derry played Limerick in a qualifier game in Castlebar, Co Mayo.
On the morning of the game the entire Derry party attended Mass in a country chapel in the area.

The homily or sermon was not patronizing nor warning but was interesting and profound.
It was delivered by a series of sayings, each repeated slowly twice, and supported by an anecdotal story.

Three sayings, which could be applied to gaelic sport, or indeed any sport, stuck in my mind.
"Every saint has a past; every sinner has a future."

I turned this saying round to be, "Every winner has a past; every loser has a future," allowing hope for all teams and players and reminding them they have, at all times, the potential to be their best, if only their preparation is correct and they persist with it.

The second saying made me think of all those players who really arent given a chance, especially underage, where winning is emphasised over development.
It went, " Hatred of ones fellow man is not the greatest sin, indifference to him is."
I thought of the many young players who leave sport because they do not make that magic 15.
I thought of those who rarely are given the experience of a full game, or even a part of it.
I thought of all those slow learners who are dismissed far too early.
I thought of all those players who are always to the back of the queues in skill drills and who oftenÓget few touches of the ball.
I thought of those players who are always picked last and of those who experience only the one playing position on any team in their entire sporting life – a full back at seven and never anything else!
I thought of all those players, young and older, who, as part of a squad, are never or rarely spoken to by their mentors.

The third saying, for me, was the one with the biggest resonance as a lesson for coaches or Managers.
It went, "A moments patience can ward off a disaster, a moments impatience can ruin a whole life."

This saying reminds me of another old saying Ive often heard, "Dont judge in haste."
As a result of sayings like these, my own coaching mantra when dealing with players is, "Target the performance of the person."
I thus try to use ‘how instead of ‘why and ‘and instead of ‘but when addressing players.
I might then say, "
How did you drop the ball?" Instead of ‘Why did you drop the ball?" or "You were brilliant and next day we can work on your kicking," instead of "You were brilliant but next day we can work on your kicking."
Here are the other things I reminded myself I must ‘do with players when I reflected on these sayings.

Do be clear why you are coaching.
Do be aware of the effect you are having onÓgrowing children.
Do find out what children expect to gain from the sport and from you.
Do provide learning experiences (teach and stimulate).
Do make practice and competition fun.
Do set challenging goals tailored to the individual.
Do recognize the value of friendships between children.
Do show your approval whenever you can.
Do regularly examine your own coaching style and communication skills.
Do listen to your players.
Do find out as much as you can about your sport.
Do relax and enjoy yourself with the children.
Do be firm fair, and organized.
Do give credit where it is due and give help where it is needed.
Do be consistent.
Do use a clear voice and never shout.

If I must suggest ‘dont they are few:
Dont put children down for not doing as well as you wanted.
Dont shout and humiliate them.
Dont ignore them when they need some support or ask you questions.
Dont blind them with science.
Dont overdo the praise, they wont believe you.
Remember, young players are less tolerant of heat, cold and pain than adults, they do not react as quick and take longer to understand.

"A moments patience… goes a long way.
Remember, children dont remember how you made them feel!

12-Sep-08 by John Morrison

Updated – 15 September – New Coaching Category created – click here for the link and keep an eye on the new coaching panel located on the front page

John Morrison forms part of our County Football management team and is only one of a small number of ‘GAA master coaches in Ireland. 

He is no stranger to club coaches in Leitrim as he has undertaken several coaching seminars in the county in recent years as part of our games development plan. 

Earlier this year (2008) he was one of the high profile tutors included in the 2008 Coachworks series held in Armagh, this programme which "transforms theory into practice" offered useful tips on how best to deliver coaching messages and skills.

He is known for his ability to analyse player athleticism and performance and to provide a variety of solutions to enhance both.

As a coach and sports psychologist the colourful Armagh native has coached with no fewer than five county teams and whose expertise has also been sought by Ulster Rugby and Leicester Tigers has partnered Mickey Moran in each of Morans last three Managerial appointments in Mayo, Derry and Donegal.

Not only will Mickey and John be the senior team mentors they will also be involved in the preparation of coaching programmes for county underage teams & development squads. They are willing to assist in the preparation for our county U16s, Minor, U21s and Junior teams.

At grass roots level they are very willing to work with club coaches throughout the county and will be available to help in preparing programs for club teams. Their commitment to Leitrim GAA will further enhance the comprehensive Coaching and Development plans already in operation and this is a much valued addition to their duties as Senior team management.

As part of this commitment John has made available a number of articles he pens entitled A Sporting View.  The articles are produced on a regular basis and are based on Johns observations and views as we progress annually through the GAA calendar.

The back-dated articles will be made available on a regular basis over the coming weeks and these will provide some very interesting reading to players and coaches at all levels as a new era dawns in Leitrim GAA.  Each article deals with a specific theme and offers some thought provoking opinions and advice.

The first of the articles will be available on Friday morning Sept 12th.

Leitrim GAA wish to thank John for the use of these articles and also Turlough OBrien for supplying some of the typed versions.

09-Sep-08 by Brendan Doyle – PRO