Lessons in working with standout athletes learned from The Beckham ExperimentBy Jon Isaacson In youth sports there are stars, some are such because they have developed physically quicker than their counterparts or perhaps they are simply able to run and chew gum at the same time while their peers can't seem to master the fundamentals of co-ordination. While some of these young stars will soon fade there are those rare individuals who seem to have the game at hand at a young age. A talented youth player can be a challenge as many come with an attitude to match as well as a management team (i.e. the parents or family members) that may not always have input that is in the best interest of the team. The reality of the superstar and their impact on teams whether in the business, professional sport or youth competition realms is a dynamic that all leaders need to understand. Celebrity and sports is a common modern narrative that many youngsters (as well as parents) aspire towards even though it is arguable whether an individual can successfully navigate an elevated status of both their personal brand while maintaining their professional excellence over an extended period. The Beckham Experiment by Grant Wahl (2009) reads as a what-not-to-do when you’ve acquired an international mega star the likes of David Beckham, and though that tale played out in professional sports it carries many lessons that can be applied to youth athletics as well. As a coaching team, it is important to have a leadership identity, whether you have the pleasure of staying with a team of young players from their entrance into the sport on into their developmental years like we have or if you are coaching new teams each year, understanding your identity as a coach is key to a successful experience. The parameters of the culture for the team will be represented largely by the broader organization you are a part of, if you play in an inclusive league that does not keep score like the YMCA, this should provide an easy discussion where superior players either need to contribute to the team as a whole or should pursue other leagues suited to their talent level. If you are coaching in a more competitive league or at a youth club sport level then you will need to be prepared for all of the expectations and potential ego that comes with players as well as parents who think they are the next prodigy. For those players who think they are superstars but have average skills at best, allow nature to take its course and do not protect them from the pace and scenarios of the game, read more on this concept in our IACN segment Embrace the Pace (HERE). Establish your identity as a coach so that you are competent in your sport, confident in your approach and can effectively partner with athletes as well as parents to reach mutual goals. The team identity and culture will develop from your vision and the execution of your values. It is clear within The Beckham Experience that the Los Angeles Galaxy did not have the experience and had not completely thought through the dynamics of what bringing an international superstar to their team would require and the celebrity of Beckham was allowed to overtake the culture of the team. It is always best to outline the vision of the team, the culture under which the group will function and the expectations of all individuals (which in youth sports includes parents) at the start of the season (or even before the season starts) rather than trying to piece things together once they are already off the rails as was the case with the Galaxy. If you read the book, you can replace David Beckham’s management team with parents and you can see how a lack of clarity in defining roles can quickly lead to voids in accountability within the team. While youth sports teams may not have the potential for financial gain that was a significant factor in the experiment with Mr. Beckham, the euphoria that comes with winning can lead coaches, parents and even players to buy into the do whatever it takes to win philosophy such as is so humorously portrayed by Will Ferrell in Kicking & Screaming where the team starts chanting, “Pass it to the Italians,” once they pick up the two meat cutting young soccer Phenom’s. If a young player is an exceptional talent this should not be held against them but those who are supporting that athlete should place them in positions where they can be developed at their level, challenged to grow and have experiences with other players who have similar aspirations. A beginner league where no score is kept and every player is supposed to get equal playing time may not be the best fit for that stellar individual unless the coach, parents and player recognize that this is a season where they are working on particular skills or aspects of the game. Through our experiences in coaching teams, many of our players have become standouts in their sport, these players choose to stay with the team but we have worked with all parties to create a clarity that these players will work towards distributing the ball, work on their weaknesses and will have the same commitment to play all positions as everyone else. In soccer we challenge these players to work on developing with their weak foot and on progressing in advanced concepts while coming alongside newer players as under coaches on the team. In basketball this is a similar challenge, forcing those players who are above average to work on dribbling with their weak hand and perfecting their form as well as advanced development concepts. When the roles and purpose are clear the experience can be positive for everyone. We expect the most out of our stars to lead by example both in their attitude and contributions to the team. Phil Jackson is a coach who excelled at dealing with mega star personalities first with the Michael Jordan lead Chicago Bulls and then with the Kobe Bryant charged Los Angeles Lakers, his experiences led him to comment, “Good teams become great ones when the members trust each other enough to surrender the Me for the We.” Every team that hinges their turn around and success on the acquisition of a star player soon finds that most problems are not solved by an individual. With The Beckham Experiment and the LA Galaxy there is so much more that rests in the column of what could have been than in the account of what transpired for the good of the team in the three seasons David was involved. For a team to be successful it needs to operate on clear vision, values and principles that are carried out from top to bottom. Superstars need a solid structure around them as much as any other player does, it is only with a strong organizational framework that all parties will have the greatest chance for success. Managers need to manage. Coaches need to coach. Parents need to parent. While stars may get some fringe benefits as well as some special treatment, at the end of the day all players need to play regardless of how famous they are. When everyone understands their roles and focuses on being the best they can be in that role, even if that means sacrificing personal glory for team achievement, within this combined effort is the recipe for sustained success. Have an identity as a coach. Create a clear culture as a team by including roles and expectations to players as well as parents early in the season. Develop your vision as you execute upon your values and always remember to have fun. For more discussion on The Beckham Experiment, read Remember That One Time David Beckham Played American Soccer (HERE). About the author: Jon Isaacson is a freelance writer assisting organizations to translate their mission and vision into story. In addition to working full time, raising a family and volunteering as a youth coach, Jon writes, speaks and serves as director of local facilities networking group LFMC.
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