Coaching Autobiography Essay

ESS 3340 Theory and Principles of Coaching Model Coach Mini-Paper Instructions

Purpose: Students will demonstrate their ability to connect class concepts with ideas and strategies endorsed by a current or former successful coach. The paper is an opportunity to develop and demonstrate critical thinking and writing skills.

Instructions: 1. Choose a coach autobiography and read it. The book should be written by a coach or about a coach that

outlines his or her leadership/coaching style and strategies for interacting with athletes. For example, Coach K’s book is titled, “Leading with the Heart: Coach K’s Successful Strategies for Basketball, Business and Life”. (tip: read 15-30 pages a day every day to get into a routine)

2. As you read, make note of quotations that stand out to you and key points that are important and link with

class. You will come back to these when you write your paper.

3. Write your paper! Use the following headings: Key idea #1 and connection to class concepts Key idea #2 and connection to class concepts

[Choose a strategy or important piece of advice from your coaching book. Explain that idea in detail with an example from your coaching book. Then, connect that idea to something we’ve discussed in class. For example, “Coach K used a cooperative coaching style (Martens, Ch. 3), meaning he valued his players’ input and thoughts. Cooperative coaching styles are recommended because they are best for players’ confidence and motivation.”]

Additional Expectations:

a) Your paper should be 2 pages in length (not including the reference page), double-spaced, and typed with 12-pt. Times New Roman font and 1” margins on all sides, and page numbers in the upper right corner. You do NOT need a title page.

b) List your references (i.e., coaching book, textbook or class notes) in APA format on a separate page. c) Your “audience” for the paper is a fellow student who has not taken this class. Thus, be very clear and

specific with your explanations.

Evaluation Criteria:

Evaluation of the paper (20 points) will be based on content and writing quality (structure, clarity, grammar, and proper APA format). A grading rubric will be posted on Canvas.

Upload your final paper using the assignment link on Canvas by the due date in the syllabus.

Ideas for finding a book: (borrow, buy, rent, e-book, etc.):

 The following popular coaches always come up first in searches: John Wooden, Bill Russell, Phil Jackson, Tony Dungy, Coach K. Talk to each other to make sure 5 people don’t use the same book!

 Websites to browse (some books listed may not apply to this assignment): http://www.spongecoach.com/the-best-books-for-coaches/

https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/sports-coaches  Google different coach names on google books and then choose one to order/borrow  Or go to library website and type in coach names (most are on the 5th floor)  The book has to be about the coach’s approach to coaching, including leadership style and strategies (bring

in how they interact with athletes and what they value and promote).