Coaching Philosophy
Our coaches will develop and implement a coaching philosophy that provides player expectations for behaviors that reflect priorities and values of VXS (“Xtreme Character”). An appropriate coaching perspective focuses on maximizing the positive benefits of sport participation for each athlete.
Coaching Credo:
1. Prepare your team to win but never sacrifice character development merely to win a game or championship.
2. Develop competitors that work to get better everyday, look for ways to make their team and teammates better and make the game itself better by competing with honor and class.
Coaching Standards: Produce high quality and nationally competitive teams that enable our athletes the opportunity to develop their individual abilities while providing proper guidance and opportunity for responsibility and leadership growth as they mature. Challenge our athletes to be leaders and work within the framework of a team so those lessons learned on the field/court will be exhibited later in life after their playing careers have ended.
There are currently 10 VXS coaches all of whom have extensive sports training and/or coaching experience. All of the coaches are volunteers and submit to an annual background check, maintain various coaching certifications and adhere to VXS’ coaching credo.
VXS is a 501(c)3 non-profit and entirely run by volunteers. Our coaches dedicate a lot of time and in many cases, their own resources to provide the players the opportunity to become better athletes and citizens. We ask that all the parents remember this fact and try to understand that the coaches are doing their very best and always trying to put the team first.
Like people, many of our coaches have different coaching styles. Some are reserved and others get intense. As an organization, we are always evaluating our coaches and we do our best to make improvements in our approach, strategies, and coaching styles and techniques.
It may not always be clear to the parents what our intentions or goals are for the team or individual players during practice and games. We are available to discuss our plans with you and in fact enjoy sharing our thoughts and aspirations. However, if a parent has a concern regarding coaching style, game plans, or playing time, parents should not approach a coach immediately following a game or during a game. Neither the coach nor the parent is likely to be in a state of mind to have a productive discussion.
The official VXS policy is if a parent wishes to discuss their player’s development or playing time, parents should request a meeting in advance to take place before or after a regularly scheduled practice.
Tryouts: At the beginning of each season, typically in February, coaches will determine their roster needs for that season. At that time, coaches will hold evaluations by invitation only for select players. It is possible that players expressing interest at any time during the year may be offered workouts with a team. The player will be evaluated and informed what (if any) roster spots may be available on a team. While raw talent and athleticism is a component, a relentless commitment to working on fundamental skills and knowing ‘how to play’ the game are critical components to long term development.
Roster Size: VXS rosters tyically will carry 7-8 full-time players with up to two additional practice players at the discretion of the coach.
Practices: Typically one or two times per week. Tournament weeks; coaches may add an extra practice. Final decisions will be up to the coach, coordinated with parents and dependent on player availability.
Tournaments: Each individual age group coach will determine what tournaments they will attend throughout the year with consultation from parents and VXS Officers though all teams have mandatory participation in any Virginia Xtreme sponsored tournaments each year. Typically VXS teams will participate in three to six tournaments a season subject to each team’s internal agreement and player availability.
Playing Time: Is completely at the coach’s discretion. There are no minimum playing time requirements. In a highly contested game, it is possible that some players on a team may get little or no playing time. A lack of playing time is not personal and neither the players nor parents should take it that way. There are many factors involved in determining how much playing time a player gets including the following:
Ability – All of these players are good, but some players have more advanced skills. Coaches are going to play whoever they think gives them the best chance to compete.
Experience – Sometimes experience trumps raw talent. Again, this is at the coach’s discretion.
Effort – If a coach perceives that a player is or is not giving their best effort in a practice or a game that may impact playing time.
Game plan – A coach may have a specific game plan to “go big” or “go fast” that might impact playing time.
Position – A player may play a position where the competition is particularly strong and this might limit their playing time.
Opponent – Game time match-ups will often dictate playing time. It is the coach’s decision to do what he/she thinks is best.
Confidence – Some players take longer than others to adapt to the speed, athleticism and intensity of games. A player may have ample talent, but they may need to develop confidence. Coaches will want to see this confidence grow in practice.
Practice habits – While a player may be the most talented player on the field/court, a coach may limit playing time because the player does not know the plays, misses practice, is not focused on the team goals, or is out of position.
Attitude – Coaches love players who bring a great attitude to every practice and game whether they are getting a lot of playing time or not. While it is at the coach’s discretion, all things being equal, a player with a great attitude and work ethic will play more.
We will make sure all the players understand the issues that impact playing time, especially effort and attitude. At the same time, we hope that each player is extremely proud that they are part of the VXS program. Each VXS member is an advanced player for their age. Even if a player is not getting significant playing time in games, by merely practicing and scrimmaging with other top players in the area, each player will grow enormously in their abilities.
In closing, VXS and its coaches not only strive to develop the athletic abilities of its players but also places an emphasis on the growth of the individual in all areas of everyday life including education, personal responsibility, accountability, teamwork and good sportsmanship in an atmosphere that will be challenging but nonetheless fair and fun.