Gifts for Coaches
It’s holiday season and you might be thinking of getting a gift for the coach in your life but aren’t sure what would be appreciated? Or maybe you’re a coach and looking to treat yourself. Here’s some ideas that won’t break any budgets. (So not including the iphone or timing gates that were suggested on the bettereverydaycoaching discord!)
Practical Gifts
Whistles
These definitely don’t need to be fancy but personally, I’m always missing a whistle. I just can’t keep track of them. I really can’t have enough whistles.
Waterproof Watch/Stopwatch
OK, I know every phone and smartwatch has a stopwatch function but it’s so much easier sometimes to have an actual stopwatch.
Cones
I bought these cones earlier this year, thinking they were the ‘normal’ saucer cones. But they’re actually less than half the size. I was disappointed initially but now I adore them. Much more convenient for travel, really bright and visible and when I’m using them to make interior lines on a pitch that players will be running on they don’t get in the way as much. Big recommend as an addition to a coaching bag.
Notebooks
A nice new notebook for every season is always welcome - I’ve never actually bought one myself I’m pretty sure!
Rite in the Rain Notebook
I can’t sing the praises of these enough. They’re magical. No matter how bad the rain gets I can write and read. Only use them during the rain and they’ll last a long time before you need a new one - I’m still on my first one and I got it in 2019. And it rains a lot here.
Whiteboard (magnetic or otherwise)
This is definitely more situationally useful and I don’t think small ones are much good really, but if you’re able to bring a reasonably large one to practice they’re very handy. Magnetic ones especially because it’s possible to demonstrate movement without millions of confusing lines.
Camping Chair
Sitting down is great and relaxing and I, as with many coaches, should do this more. And yet, I don’t even own a chair.
Waterproof Bag
I really need to get myself a good waterproof bag instead of complaining every tournament that mine isn’t.
Books
I might be biased here, but books are always a great and affordable gift.
Ultimate Coaching Books
This is a really good grounding the the fundamental techniques and tactics of the sport. I really believe that understanding (and appreciating) is essential to be a really good coach.
This is probably the single best end to end primer on coaching an Ultimate team. It covers all the basic elements you’ll need particularly if you’re coaching a school or college side.
The Art of Coaching Youth Ultimate
Ari and Danie have been really successful with their youth programs and you don’t need to reinvent the wheel in your own community because they give you the basics right here. If you coach youth groups you should own this book.
The Ultimate Resource: An Alternative Approach to Playing, Training, and Coaching Ultimate
Similarly, Travis’ book should be read by anyone coaching youth ultimate.
Non-Ultimate Coaching Books
(my goodreads coaching list can give you further ideas, but these are my top recommendations)
Probably the best grounding in planning and executing not just a single session but a whole season, or a whole programme. This book did more for me than any other resource.
There’s a lot of excellent books on sports psychology I could mention but I really love the practical and case study filled approach of Soccer Tough.
My post on trying to coach in a positive manner was well-received this year. If you enjoy that then read this and realise I just badly summarised this book.
If you’re a regular reader here and you still think that direct instruction is the most effective way to coach then hopefully you’ll join the millions of coaches that had a new perspective opened by the Inner Game of Tennis.
This is a collection of short essays by researchers where they attempt to dismantle (to varying degrees of success) what they see a myths in coaching. I find it hard to believe anyone could read through these and not walk away with some beliefs they didn’t know they had ingrained thoroughly challenged! Very insightful and enjoyable, the short essay format means you can dip in and out when you have a free few minutes.
Great introduction into the world of non-linear pedagogy and the constraints-led approach.
Sentimental/Fun Gifts
Thank you cards
Sometimes the simplest gifts are the best. A card signed by the team is always lovely to receive. I’ve kept every one I have gotten and I love stumbling across them and reading all the names with the memories flooding back.
Signed Discs
On a similar vein to the card, a signed disc is a great gift.
Team Coaching Gear
Listen: what’s good to play in isn’t necessarily good for coaching in. Get your coaches something that works better for coaching. Case in point: I need pockets when I’m coaching.
Anemometer
Completely unnecessary but I can’t stop checking mine when I have it in my bag. What coach doesn’t want to know the exact wind speed at which their offence falls apart?
Dog
Your coach probably wants a dog at training so the least you can do is bring yours and let your coach play with them during breaks.
