The Hidden Tool Elite Coaches Use to Build Championship Teams

Every coach wants to lead effectively, inspire their athletes, and build strong team culture.

Many coaches find themselves uncertain and floundering without any clear direction.

Without a clear philosophy to lean on, decisions can feel reactive and inconsistent.

I discovered the power of a written coaching philosophy through Pete Carroll’s book Win Forever: Live, Work, and Play Like a Champion. After being fired by the New England Patriots in 1999, Carroll was reeling. He had made it to the top of the mountain in his profession and failed. Carroll took a job at USC in an attempt to rebuild his reputation and his career. He had a powerful realization. His failure was rooted in the fact that his players didn't know what he stood for. More importantly, Carroll didn't know what was most important to him as a coach.

So he formalized his coaching philosophy. This was the turning point that fueled his later success at USC and with the Seattle Seahawks and now the Las Vegas Raiders.

For Carroll, competition is the centerpiece of everything he does. From players to staff to the front office, everyone is expected to compete daily. All the stakeholders know what is expected of them by the head coach, and they know what he stands for.

That clarity not only changed his career but also shaped how I approach my own coaching.

After reading his book I worked to develop my own coaching philosophy and it is a game-changer.

I share my coaching philosophy with my assistants, players, and their parents. Having this framework has been a powerful tool during times of conflict and uncertainty. When everyone knows the core values guiding our team, we’re aligned. Especially when things get tough.

And it’s not just anecdotal. Research backs this up:

• A study in the Journal of Coaching Education found that coaches with well-defined philosophies demonstrated more positive coaching behaviours such as goal setting and constructive feedback.
• Athletes under those coaches also reported higher team cohesion and greater satisfaction.

So how do you create one? Carroll outlined these steps:

1. Know Yourself – Reflect on your values and beliefs. Ask: What matters most to me as a coach? Who do I want to be?
2. Identify Core Values – Choose 3–5 values that will guide your decisions. Mine are resilience, belonging, gratitude, curiosity, and wellness.
3. Create a Shared Vision – Frame a vision that connects your values to the team’s purpose. Ours: Using basketball to develop young men of character.
4. Emphasize Competition and Growth – Foster a culture of continuous improvement through effort, dedication, and a growth mindset.
5. Prioritize Relationships – Build genuine connections by listening, being approachable, and showing care.
6. Remain Adaptable – Revisit your philosophy annually. Update it as your team evolves and as you grow as a coach.

Once you’ve formalized your philosophy, make it visible and shareable. Post it in your playbooks, discuss it at parent meetings, and integrate it into team culture.

Without a philosophy, coaches risk inconsistency, conflict, and unclear expectations. With a philosophy, you gain clarity, direction, and the ability to lead with confidence.

Additionally, it helps both you and your athletes have a clearer understanding shared purpose.

A clear coaching philosophy allows you to:

• Lead decisively in tough moments.
• Foster cohesion and trust among players and parents.
• Build a team identity rooted in values and growth.

When you know who you are as a coach, everyone around you knows what you stand for. And that clarity can transform both your coaching and your team.

Do you have a coaching philosophy? How do you share it with the stakeholders on your team?​​

How can I help you on your coaching journey?

Let's work together.

I help coaches thrive.

I would love to help you or your team build a competitive advantage. Here are a few ways I can help:

• Consult with your team or coaching staff
• Teach mental skills to your team via Zoom
• Work 1 on 1 with coaches
• Work 1 on 1 with athletes

Shoot me an email at jasonpayne@evolutionmpc.com, I love to talk coaching and see how I can help you.

Coaching is hard, let's make it easier.

Check out my website at http://jasonpayne.ca​

Thanks for reading and have a great week.