Individual sport coaching
The most important quality you need to coach is enthusiasm. People respond brilliantly to an eager, hard working leader.
It will take a number of years to build up coaching skills and experience and a good reputation, but help is at hand.
It is the job of Sports Coach UK to look after the development of coaching and coaches at every level in the UK.
There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in sports coaching often on a part-time voluntary basis.
To become a qualified coach in a particular sport, you will need to take the appropriate coaching qualifications offered by the national governing body of that sport.
In the meantime here are a few tips for coaching success.
Why do you want to coach and what do you want to achieve?
The better your understanding of the techniques and skills of a sport the better equipped you are to pass these on.
Patience and praise work a lot better than criticism and shouting.
Avoid games where kids have to sit out and don't make all your sessions competitive
Demonstrating a skill works much better than talking about it. If you can't do it, find someone who can.
Always make sure there's enough equipment or kit for all. Create small groups of children rather than one big group.
Actions speak louder than words. Body language is important. Smiles and positive gestures work wonders.
A grasp of how the body responds to exercise and training and an ability to adopt safe practices and prevent injury are important.
So too is confidence building, goal setting, emotional control, concentration skills - coaches work on the mindset as well as the body.
Some children take longer than others to learn so adopt your style accordingly.
To keep children motivated it helps to be consistent, set achievable goals and give frequent feedback.
Lead by example and gain trust and respect. Coaches of children are role models and this carries responsibility.
How you behave, dress and your attitude all set an example. If you adhere to consistent high standards this will rub off.