Coaches Are People too, and They’re Here to Help You!

An Updated Look at the Athlete-Coach Relationship

Ask any volleyball player what made them play their best during a standout practice, game, or season, and the answer is almost always the same: “I was really having fun!” But what many athletes don’t realize is that one of the key factors in having that much fun often comes down to a simple truth—their coach was enjoying themselves too.

As hard as it may be to believe, your coach is human. The same person who pushes you in conditioning, calls you out on mistakes, and challenges you to grow as an athlete has feelings, emotions, and goals just like you do. Coaches care deeply about their players, but their ability to stay engaged and passionate depends a lot on how they’re treated by the team.

Why Do Coaches Coach?

For most coaches, it’s simple: they love the game, and they love teaching it. If coaching were all about money or winning, most coaches wouldn’t bother—they’d choose higher-paying, less stressful jobs. Yet, thousands of coaches devote countless hours to their teams for the love of the sport and the joy of helping athletes grow.

The reality is that coaching is a labor of love. When you break it down, many coaches earn next to nothing for the hours they spend planning, running practices, traveling to games, and working with athletes. And while winning feels great, experienced coaches will often tell you that their most memorable seasons weren’t necessarily the ones with the best records—they were the seasons where there was strong team chemistry, a supportive environment, and everyone, including the coach, had fun.

Creating a Positive Experience for Everyone

As an athlete, you might think it’s solely the coach’s job to make the season fun and productive. But what you may not realize is that the coach-athlete dynamic is a two-way street. If you want your coach to help you become the best player you can be, it helps if your coach enjoys working with you and the team. And when the coach is having fun, the entire team benefits.

So, how can you help create an environment where everyone—coaches and players—can thrive?

Here are some steps you can take:
10 Ways to Support Your Coach and Boost Team Chemistry
 

1. Be the first one in the gym
   Coaches love it when players arrive early and take initiative. Arriving early shows you’re committed and ready to work, setting a positive tone for the whole practice.
2. Help with setup
   Whether it’s setting up nets or grabbing balls, pitching in helps create a team-oriented atmosphere. It shows you value your coach’s time and understand that their job goes beyond just running drills.
3. Greet your coach with a smile
   A simple, cheerful greeting can go a long way in setting a positive tone. Coaches are people too, and they appreciate being treated with kindness and respect.
4. Hustle during practice
   Whether it’s running between drills or moving quickly to meet the team for instruction, your energy and enthusiasm can inspire the entire team. Coaches love players who show hustle, and it elevates the whole practice.
5. Give your full attention
   When your coach is speaking, maintain eye contact and show that you’re listening. This demonstrates respect and lets your coach know that you’re engaged and eager to learn.
6. Refrain from talking when the coach is speaking
   Talking while your coach is giving instructions is disrespectful and disruptive. Stay focused so you don’t miss important information, and so you set an example for your teammates.
7. Always try your best
   Coaches aren’t expecting perfection, but they do expect effort. If you give your best effort, even when things aren’t going well, your coach will notice and appreciate it.
8. Handle disagreements respectfully
   If you have a question or disagree with something your coach says, bring it up respectfully and in private. Challenging a coach publicly can lead to unnecessary tension and rarely leads to a productive outcome.
9. Learn about your coach outside of volleyball
   Everyone appreciates when others take an interest in their lives. Learning what your coach enjoys outside of volleyball can strengthen your relationship and create a more supportive team culture.
10. Encourage your teammates to do the same
    When the whole team is engaged, positive, and respectful, it creates an atmosphere where everyone, including the coach, can thrive. Team chemistry isn’t just about player-to-player interactions; it’s about the collective effort to create a positive environment.

It’s easy to fall into the mindset of thinking that it’s your coach’s job to help you succeed. While that’s true, coaches are at their best when they’re enjoying the process too. People, by nature, work harder and invest more effort when they’re having fun and feel appreciated. The more positive the dynamic between coaches and athletes, the more productive practices become—and the better the overall experience for everyone involved.

Helping your coach have fun doesn’t just benefit them; it benefits the entire team. When coaches feel appreciated and supported, they’re more likely to go the extra mile to help players succeed, plan better practices, and create an enjoyable atmosphere. That positive energy is contagious, and it leads to better performance on the court.

The “Win-Win” of Building Positive Relationships

By making small efforts to support your coach, you can enhance team chemistry, improve your own performance, and foster a healthier, more enjoyable season. And beyond volleyball, you’ll be learning critical life skills—respect, communication, and teamwork—that will serve you well in every area of your life.

Remember: coaches are people too, and they’re here to help you. When both athletes and coaches are having fun, the game becomes more than just competition—it becomes an experience of growth, connection, and shared success.