Steven Poacher – Coaches must treat players as people

Brian Cody

In his column in the current issue of Gaelic Life, Steven Poacher recounts his experience of attending a coaching day with Kilkenny hurling manager Brian Cody.

In particular, Poacher illustrates Cody’s approach to coaching players.

“He spoke of the county and club players not in terms of a player but as a person. He mentioned the responsibility we had as coaches to get to know your players as people and put these people first and foremost ahead of the game as there are many other things in young people’s lives nowadays. Things such as exam pressure, financial worries, family etc. and it is important we take into account all these aspects when coaching.

“One of the comments Brian made that stands out for me though was his views on team spirit and togetherness.

“It’s the team first, no player is greater than the team, and he will not let any individual jeopardise the unity of a squad.

“Egos are left at the door and the only time Kilkenny players are stars is on the hurling field, not off it.”

Poacher goes on to talk about his own coaching session when he explained a drill to develop transition play.

Read the full column in the current issue of Gaelic Life. Click here to buy the online edition.