Why Do You Coach?

Inspired by our book Coaching Better Athletes

Why Do You Coach? Unpacking the Heart of Youth Sports

Let’s start with a jaw-dropping number: there are over 40 million youth athletes in the United States alone, sweating it out on fields, courts, and rinks across the country. That’s 40 million kids learning to do things like swing a bat, dribble a ball, or execute a play, all under the guidance of roughly 6.5 million coaches. Billy Graham once said, “A coach will impact more people in one year than the average person will in an entire lifetime.” That’s no small responsibility. So, let me ask you—why do you coach?

I’ve been around sports long enough to know that coaching isn’t just about teaching kids skill execution or even the x's and o's. It’s about shaping lives. With 74 million kids in the U.S., and roughly 54% of them lacing up for sports, the impact of a coach is massive. But here’s the kicker: according to the Aspen Institute’s 2018 State of Play, millions of those 6.5 million coaches are undertrained. Yet, they’re still out there, clipboard in hand, diving into the wild world of youth sports. Why? A 2022 survey of nearly 11,000 coaches gave us a peek into their hearts: they love teaching sports, developing young people, and staying connected to the games they grew up with. Sounds noble, right? But the real question isn’t why they started coaching—it’s why they keep coaching.

Coaching is one of the most rewarding gigs on the planet. You get to build bonds with kids while reliving the activities that lit you up as a young athlete. It’s a front-row seat to a journey filled with stumbles, breakthroughs, and those electric moments when a kid nails a skill for the first time. But it’s not easy. Every athlete is unique—some need a confidence boost, others need help with fundamentals, and a few might need you to be their biggest cheerleader through a tough day. Your job? Motivate them, sharpen their skills, and create a team that feels like family. The lessons they learn on your watch—grit, teamwork, resilience—will stick with them long after the final whistle.

Think back to your own youth. Chances are, you can name a coach who changed your life for the better. Maybe they helped you nail a free throw or picked you up after a rough game. But I bet you can also recall a coach who made things harder than they needed to be. So, here’s your challenge: decide what kind of coach you want to be. Are you in it to chase trophies at all costs, or are you here to make sure every kid gets the most out of their time with you? You might not have signed up to change lives, but trust me, you will. Before your next practice, take a second to reflect: What’s my purpose for coaching? Your answer will shape not just your season, but also the kids you lead.

Want more coaching insights? Check out projectplay.org.