From the Sidelines: The Power of Observation

By Labrini Rontogiannis, Varsity Girls Volleyball Coach

As a coach, our role extends far beyond the sidelines or the training ground. In the world of coaching, like teaching, continuous learning and growth are essential for success. While self-reflection is incredibly valuable, another powerful tool at a coach’s disposal is observing and learning from fellow coaches. Observing other coaches, even if in other sports, can elevate our own coaching abilities, expand perspectives, and ultimately benefit all athletes.

There is a great thrill being a part of an athletic event; more so when it involves a trip! Traveling with an athletic team is more than a field trip. It’s a culmination of the sweat and tears shed during an arduous season (and sometimes blood!). Despite the long days in the gym, and longer nights keeping studentathletes safe, athletic trips are an incredible bonding experience for athletes and coaches; and it’s the highlight of every season. And so, with the return of traveling for our

ACS athletic teams, I jumped at the chance to join the Varsity Girls Basketball team on their trip to London during the winter season. Beyond the lively plane rides, sleeping selfies and cheap fast food dinners, as a chaperone, the bench served as an observation deck. Not being directly involved, it allowed me to experience coaching from an entirely different perspective.

Observing other coaches exposes us to a range of coaching styles, philosophies, and techniques. Each coach has a unique approach shaped by their own experiences and expertise. As an outsider, I got a different feel for what it is like to coach. Despite witnessing another entirely different sport, by observing coaching methods, I gained a fresh perspective and reflected on my own coaching repertoire. Whether it was witnessing innovative warm up drills, effective communication strategies, or tactical insights, this exposure helped challenge my own assumptions and growth as a coach.

From the bench, to the locker room, to the sideline huddles, I observed yet another essential coaching tool: communication. Observing other coaches provides us with an opportunity to witness effective communication in action. Delivering feedback, motivating athletes, and building rapport helps us refine our own ability to convey instructions, provide constructive criticism, and inspire our athletes to achieve their full potential. Effective communication fosters trust, strengthens relationships, and creates an environment conducive for young athletes to grow.

As coaches, we are on a continuous journey of improvement. By actively observing other coaches, we unlock a wealth of knowledge, experience, and inspiration, and this also contributes to building a network of like minded professionals. This network becomes a valuable support system where coaches can seek advice, share challenges, and celebrate successes. Learning from their successes and challenges broadens our own approaches, refines our coaching methods, and strengthens our ability to guide and inspire our athletes. By embracing the practice of observation and being open to learning from others, cultivates a growth mindset, ultimately leading to enhanced coaching effectiveness and greater athlete development.

In the few days I spent with the Varsity Girls basketball team, I experienced all of the above! I witnessed a coach take what may have been considered the underdog team, to being the most feared team in the tournament with a final 2nd place standing. I witnessed a group of girls communicate and bond with each other and their coaches, driving the team spirit, whether winning or losing, all the while keeping smiles on their faces. I witnessed my own athletes play aggressive and demanding games, with grace and dignity. Above all, I witnessed a coach transfer his experience, knowledge and love for the sport and his athletes, ultimately filling me with the same desires. All of this, thanks to the power of observation. This may not have been “my team” but it sure felt that way at the end of the tournament. The responsibility, humility, dedication, friendship, and “togetherness” demonstrated by the team was contagious. And so my conclusion is this: I am available to observe any time!