Introduction
The second year of the Basketball Australia Community Coach Mentoring Program has demonstrated considerable success in enhancing the capabilities, confidence, and community engagement of participating coaches. This report reflects on the feedback and outcomes from the program, examining the impact on coaching development, the community, and individual growth, incorporating direct quotes from participants.
Impact on Coaching Abilities and Confidence
The mentoring program has had a profound effect on improving coaching abilities and boosting confidence. Coaches reported gaining new skills and increased self-assurance in their coaching roles.
- Skills Development: Many coaches found that the program introduced them to structured techniques and modern strategies. As one coach stated, “The mentoring program provided me with information and skills to improve my ability to train my players better. I was more confident in knowing what I was doing.” This confidence has translated into more effective sessions and greater comfort in managing various situations.
- Increased Confidence: Coaches also noted a significant boost in their overall confidence. As another participant shared, “I’m excited to be more patient with the players and work together more as a team. The children are responding much better to the positive reinforcement I am giving them.” This confidence, coupled with the mentorship guidance, has empowered coaches to lead with assurance and clarity. “ Being in the program gave me the confidence to initiate a coaching collaboration group within my own association where I set up a whatsapp group to share resources/ideas and also ran a session for coaches to attend.”
Enhancement of the Coaching Community
One of the major successes of the mentorship program has been its role in strengthening the coaching community. Coaches highlighted the networking opportunities and the impact of sharing knowledge with others.
- Networking: A common sentiment among participants was the value of connecting with coaches they would not have otherwise met. One coach expressed, “I am networked with people I otherwise would not have been able to and I have shared some of the knowledge with other coaches.” This networking facilitated the exchange of ideas and experiences, contributing to a more collaborative coaching environment. “I certainly felt part of the coaching community through these small, but meaningful interactions. In addition, it became a great talking point around my club - management knew I was part of it, but also some of our younger coaches were quite interested in it, and curious about potentially being involved with it in the near future.”
- Knowledge Sharing: The program has encouraged coaches to share their newfound knowledge with others in their communities. As one coach noted, “I would encourage others to participate as it is a very good opportunity. You not only grow individually but also help others grow too.” This spirit of knowledge-sharing has helped build a more cohesive and informed coaching community.
- Mentors mentoring outside of the program “I have always stayed in my own lane as a coach as I thought I didn’t really have much to offer other coaches, but I think it has made me see that even though there are so many coaches more knowledgeable and experienced than I am that I still can contribute to others along the pathway. It also gave me the confidence to start a coaching collaboration within my own association as I have become more aware of coaches who are really keen to improve but maybe aren’t sure where to start or where to go. I also think being challenged to articulate and justify my own values and philosophies was great.”
Changes in Coaching Style and Approach
The mentorship program has fostered a shift in coaching styles, with a greater emphasis on player development, enjoyment, and adaptability.
- Player-Centered Coaching: Coaches reported focusing more on individual player development and adapting to the needs of their players. One coach reflected, “I have noticed that the players have had more fun at training and I have found it more enjoyable too.” This shift has led to more engaging and enjoyable training sessions for both coaches and players.
- Increased Patience and Positive Reinforcement: The program has also helped coaches develop more patience and incorporate positive reinforcement into their sessions. As one coach shared, “I’ve become more patient with the kids. Making the training more enjoyable for both the players and I has been key.” The results have been improved player behavior and greater overall engagement.
Growth and Development as Coaches
The second year of the program contributed significantly to the personal and professional growth of participating coaches, enhancing their skills, values, and overall approach to coaching.
- Structured Session Planning: Coaches reported improvements in structuring their training plans. As one coach noted, “I learnt how to structure a training plan better and implement it. The program gave me more tools to manage sessions effectively.” This newfound structure allowed coaches to be more intentional with their focus on player development and team performance.
- Listening and Communication: A key takeaway for many coaches was the importance of listening to their players. One coach explained, “I learned that listening to the players is just as important as providing instructions. This has helped me build better communication with my team.” This shift towards active listening has led to stronger relationships and more effective coaching.
Long-Term Effects and Transformative Changes
While some coaches felt they had not yet reached transformative changes, many noted the ongoing influence of the program on their coaching strategies and personal development.
- Growth Mindset: A consistent theme from participants was the development of a growth mindset. One coach shared, “The program has helped me develop a growth mindset. I’m now more focused on how to continually improve both as a coach and as an individual.” This mindset has encouraged self-reflection and a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Self-Change and Transformation: Many coaches noted a personal transformation, stating that they felt more equipped to lead and mentor their teams. One participant shared, “I’m excited to be more patient with the players and work together more as a team. The children are responding much better to the positive reinforcement I am giving them.” This transformation highlights the lasting impact the program has had on both coaches and their teams.
- Coaching Philosophy: I will always remember him (my mentor) offering this advice: "There's always room for humour in times of stress." That not only became a catalyst for how I approached coaching this young man the rest of the season, but the kind of coach that I want to be going forward - a coach that is there for the right reasons - someone who can take their athletes minds off whatever is going on at home, even if it's just for 90mins - 2 hours. It made me realise the importance of creating a safe place for athletes to go out there & just try to go after greatness, and that athletes will remember how you treated them & helped them, and that I want to make it for the better [my driving goal going forward].
Feedback on Program Effectiveness and Areas for Improvement
Participants provided constructive feedback on how the program could be enhanced in future iterations.
- In-Person Meetings: Many coaches expressed a desire for more in-person interactions, especially for practical sessions or face-to-face check-ins. One coach suggested, “Meeting in person even if just once or twice would have been great. Even for a practical session.” This suggestion points to the value of personal connections and hands-on learning.
- Peer-to-Peer Learning: Some coaches felt that more peer-to-peer learning opportunities would be beneficial. As one participant noted, “More opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and collaborative discussions would provide additional perspectives and insights. It would be great to learn from fellow coaches in a more interactive way.” Incorporating more group discussions or collaborative activities could deepen the learning experience.
- Regular Check-Ins: A number of coaches recommended more frequent follow-ups or evaluations. As one participant put it, “Structured follow-ups throughout the year could help track progress more closely. Regular check-ins would ensure that I’m staying on track with my goals.” This would provide ongoing support and help maintain momentum throughout the program.
- Masterclass sessions : “the webinars with Lisa Alexander, Cam Tradell and in particular Jack Flemings' were absolutely phenomenal and a moment I will never forget! “
Feedback on Mentors
The feedback on the mentors involved in the Basketball Australia Community Coach Mentoring Program has been overwhelmingly positive, with many coaches expressing appreciation for their guidance, support, and expertise.
Coaches highlighted the value of having mentors who were approachable, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in their development.
One participant shared, “My mentor was incredibly supportive and always available to offer advice when needed. They provided practical tips and insights that were immediately applicable to my coaching.”
Another coach reflected on the importance of the mentor’s feedback, saying, “The feedback from my mentor helped me adjust my coaching style. I feel more confident in my decisions and have improved my ability to structure sessions effectively.”
Additionally, many coaches noted the personal connection they built with their mentors. As one coach put it, “Having a mentor who really listened to my challenges and helped me navigate them was invaluable. It wasn’t just about basketball; they supported me as a coach and a person.”
The overall consensus was that the mentors played a crucial role in enhancing the participants' coaching journey, providing the guidance and confidence needed to grow both professionally and personally.
Conclusion
The second year of the Basketball Australia Community Coach Mentoring Program has been a resounding success.
Through personalized mentorship, focused on skill-building, player-centered coaching, and community engagement, coaches have experienced significant growth in their coaching abilities and confidence. The program has also helped foster a collaborative, knowledge-sharing environment that strengthens the broader coaching community.
As one participant summed up, “I would highly recommend this program. It’s an invaluable opportunity to grow as a coach, learn from experienced mentors, and make a lasting impact on your team.”
Moving forward, the program can benefit from more in-person interactions, increased opportunities for peer learning, and more frequent check-ins to track progress.
Despite these areas for improvement, the program has proven to be an essential tool for community coaches looking to enhance their impact on the game.
