Small

Player Name: Small
Real Name: Everett Coleman
Birth Date: June 4, 1993
Hometown: Houston, TX
Current Team: Str8 Rippin
First Event Attended: Columbus 2009
Number of Events Attended: 6
Best Placing: 9th MLG Raleigh (Halo 3) 7th MLG Dallas (Halo: Reach)
Favorite Gametype: Pit CTF, Sanctuary Assault (Subject to change :))
Gamertag: SmaII (Smaii)

Coaching with Small
Hey everyone! Coach Small here. In this article I will address some of the common questions and misconceptions about the art of coaching a competitive gaming team. Understand that not every aspect of coaching will be addressed in this article. This is merely the surface of an in-depth field.

The Job of a Coach:
The job of a coach can be different for each and every team that coach is on. One of the initial conversations a coach should have with their team should be "What exactly do you guys want from me as a coach?" Discuss it with your team and see where you will best fit in. After that conversation, you should have a fairly good idea of the direction you are now headed in. If the team only wants you to call out power weapon times then you should spend time learning the times and the art of "dirtying" weapons. This should not be your only concern; however, it should definitely be a top priority. Familiarize yourself enough with the weapon times so that you are sure not to make a mistake. Any false call outs can ruin the outcome of the game!

Coaches can also expect to take on somewhat of a manager role. This would include things along the lines of setting up practice times, scrims, or even handling and coordinating event funds and sponsorships. In my opinion, the coach should hold the team accountable for scheduling the hotel room and booking airfare. Keep your team on top of things so they are sure not to miss a deadline.

Being prepared is one of the most important things in my eyes. Keep up with the schedule and game types so that you can keep your team informed and on task. Try to keep a packet together containing this information so that whenever a question comes up about when a team is playing or what gametypes they will be competing on, the information is easy accessible.

Scouting out the competition is also a major role. This not only gives your team vital information, it helps show the players how serious of a coach you are and how much you truly care about the team's success. Obtain a great understanding of the opposing team's strengths and weaknesses so that you can be fully equipped to counter them. Taking notes on other teams is definitely a good choice. The information can be shared with the members of the team so that everyone has solid expectations of the upcoming match.

Finally, keeping your team motivated is yet another factor that you can contribute. If you notice someone isn't calling out as much, help them out by calling out things they miss and spend the remainder of the time getting them pumped up and back in the game. Commenting on things like snipe headshots or out br's is the first step in the right direction. Remember to give your team support and do your best to give them the right attitude, mindset, and confidence.

There are many other aspects to the art of coaching, but these seem to be the more important and more common approaches. Have fun with it and work hard.

Qualities of a Good Coach:
Coaches should be uplifting and dedicated. They need to have a great knowledge of not only the game, but also the team they are coaching and the opposing teams. A good coach is hard working and is opened to constructive criticism. Be reliable and be respectful of the team that you are coaching. You need to be someone that your team can count on and trust. Do your very best to establish a strong bond with the members of your team so that your teammates learn to trust your judgement in game allowing you to have a stronger impact and influence on the outcome.

Coaching Equipment:
Each coach has their own "system" of things they choose to take with them to events. The following is a basic list of items that I make sure I don't leave home without.

• Headset
• Clipboard
• Method of Timing Weapons / Power-Up's

Schedule and Gametypes

• Writing Utensil
• Backpack for Convenience
• Any other items you find helpful

I hope you now have a better idea of coaching. If you are planning on becoming a coach, this should have given you an idea of how to best approach the unknown territory. Best of luck!