What the HS coach owes the feeder coach, and what the feeder coach owes the HS coach.
What the HS Coach Can Do to Help the Feeder Coach
Identify the coaches you are working with. Any feeder situation (junior high, middle school, select) comes with a different agenda. Which type are you dealing with? A frustrated HS coach? A select coach who is very successful? Someone just filling the position (no one else to do the job)? A father? A new coach? In the feeder position by choice? Make your contact based on the type of coach and with their agenda in mind (don't get caught by surprise).
They deserve:
- First responsibility: build an allegiance — make them your ally; if not friendship, at least mutual respect.
- Acknowledge the value of what the feeder coach(es) have done to prepare your kids for HS — not a "they didn't know anything until I got them" mentality.