Coaching Philosophy: Kevin Lignelli

by Samantha Lambert

Each week, Patch talks to a coach in Carroll County to find out why he or she dedicates time to developing young athletes. 

Patch: How do you measure your success as a coach?

Coach Lignelli: A coach’s success starts with ground rules and organization. A team or a kid’s success is solely based on his or her self confidence and his or her trust in your coaching ability.

Patch: How do you measure a player’s success? 

Coach Lignelli: Simple, it’s not whether a kid can make the shot or make a good play; it’s whether they think they can make it happen. I measure success by improvement, not wins and losses. It is very important to make them understand that. Give them the skills and confidence they need and you will win games.

Patch: What’s one pointer you would give for somebody who wanted to coach a team? 

Coach Lignelli: Always, always, always use positive reinforcement followed by what they need to work on. Let them know that you as their coach have confidence in them. If you achieve that, they will give you 110 percent on the court or field.