I'm pretty sure that every person who does any sport has that one coach that they're scared of during their lifetime. For me, he is that one coach.
I've lucked out on coaches so far. My three dance instructors that I work with are some of the nicest people I have ever known, so I have never had any reason to be scared of them. Growing up, I played soccer until sixth grade and my dad was my coach. Whenever he tried to make me scared or force me to respect him, I just thought it was hilarious. No, dad, I am not doing fifteen pushups.
However, my golf instructor this year is someone who I legitimately to not want to anger. Unfortunately I already have due to the fact that I forgot to bring in a copy of my physical the first day of practice. He told me that if I didn't bring it the next day I would no longer be able to practice as part of the team. If he had been someone who I felt comfortable and sassy with, I would have responded with something along the lines of "well, that seems a bit extreme, doesn't it?" However, because this particular man is not exactly one to appreciate a bit of sass, I responded with a brisk nod and an affirmative mental note. Trust me, I remembered the forms the next day.
I love golf and a coach's serious, Debby-downer attitude isn't going to take that away from me. Even still, I think anyone who has played a sport can agree with me when I say that the coach is an important part to enjoying the game.
I think I will make it my goal to earn his respect through my love for the game, and with that respect maybe I'll also earn a couple more compliments.
I am totally uncoordinated and never played a sport. My boys, however, have played for lots of coaches with lots of different styles. Some they loved, some, umm, not so much. And some that were really strict, like your golf coach, others that were more relaxed. Amazing how the coach shapes the experience for his/her players. Hope this coach turns out to be one of the strict but great ones!
ReplyDeleteI think your plan to earn his respect is a great one. He is obviously seriously committed to his sport, therefore he may expect that same devotion from the players he is coaching.
ReplyDeleteIt is alwys good to know who you can be "comfortable and sassy with" and who to be on your toes with. I have a feeling, though, that you are an athlete, a competitive and prepared athlete, and that (sassiness aside) this coach will appreciate and value that, Larkin.
ReplyDeleteI think you have the right attitude.
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