I am amazed at how people underestimate the importance of a good assistant coach.
There is nothing I've cherished more over the years than a good assistant coach. I've been blessed over the years because I've been picky.
I've always hand selected them and never just asked for a volunteer. At the same time, I've never walked into a situation where an assistant was selected for me.
All of my assistants over the years have brought something of value to the team. One year I went half a season without an assistant until I found one suitable for the situation.
My current assistant, Paul, has been great. He has a very decent understanding of the game. He has good vision and he respects the boys' efforts. When you are watching the game, the clock and the bench you tend to miss things. Paul notices and makes suggestions. Paul has taken good care of himself and that lends to credibility with the boys when it's time to demonstrate a new task. He's a police officer and a good family man, so he also serves as a solid role model for the boys.
I have several criteria when I am searching for an assistant:
- Honest enough to not just say "yes" to everything I suggest
- Something to offer the team/players
- Knowledge for me to learn to from
- Willing to learn
- The team must have something to offer the assistant (soccer knowledge/experience/enjoyment)
- Compatible with me (humour/attitude/philosophy)
- Committed
Over the years I've seen some disgruntled assistants undermine coaches' efforts and watched teams implode as a result, but that has been the exception and not the rule. Fortunately, I've never had that problem.