I think "fear" is the wrong word. I don't schedule my team against Campolindo -- what would be the point? I also don't schedule my team against St. Joseph Notre Dame, a D5 team that would beat us by 50 (and will do so to every team in the BCL-East when they move in claim multiple championships next year).
I'm not "afraid" of playing them. I'm not "afraid" of losing. What I want to do is what's best for my players and my program, and I don't see how losing a bunch of games by big margins helps either.
I understand, though, we're talking about teams that have designs on section titles and beyond -- but as everyone who's played knows, confidence is a huge part of athletic success, and some teams/players need their confidence built to play at their highest level, not beaten down. Of course you want to play some games against better teams, but you also may want to play some games that help your players believe in themselves, your system and your program.
That's a judgment call that varies from team to team, and I don't believe one size fits all. Pico and Brookside Christian are very competitive and I think those players and that program can handle the kind of schedule Respect is talking about -- I think a lot of other quality teams might do worse at the end of the day if they did the same thing.
Clay,
I can agree with your post. However there are some coaches who are lets say less brave than others. There are some coaches that do their best work before the game starts. Then there are others who are great
game time under the pressure coaches. The most courageous ones make better leaders in my opinion. Many times you will notice that a
team adapts it's coaches personality. So if the coach is timid, you will tend to see a timid team. Some players are the same way. Some are better in practice or easy small time games, but freeze up in the big lights on the big stage. That again is why if you have
courageous leadership at the
top and on the floor, you tend to have more relaxed players and get better results.
Now I do totally agree in the fact you must take everything on a case by case basis. I am the last that promotes the one shoe fits all in anything, especially coaching. Each courageous leader must do what they feel will produce the most confident players and most confident team. And if you don't have the high level players I don't care how courageous or how good a coach you are,
you have to be realistic.
And you must remember most don't know your team as well as you do. Each coach has to do what they feel is best for their team with regards to scheduling of games. Ultimately we are all trying to build confidence and see improvements in individuals and improvement in our teams. And only a select few will be champions because it takes good and accountable coaching, the right mix of talent and effort, and the right breaks.
But everyone can learn to
be more courageous. And everyone has room to continue to
improve as coaches, players, parents, refs, and as people.
