My Coach Backpack
There are certain items I never go to practice without. After years of coaching and leading workshops, I’ve developed a “coach toolbox” that helps me stay prepared for whatever the day throws at me. Being organized and ready isn’t just for my convenience—it creates a smooth experience for the athletes. Here’s a breakdown of what’s in my bag and why each item is essential:
Music: The Energy Multiplier
Bluetooth Speaker: My go-to is a Bose Speaker because it’s small, portable, and loud enough for outdoor practice. Music is a game-changer for setting the tone and energy of a practice. Whether it’s warm-ups, conditioning, or a water break, the right playlist can completely change the vibe.
Spotify Playlists: I create different playlists for different parts of practice—upbeat for warm-ups, relaxed for cooldowns, and hype music for scrimmages. For big events, I share my playlist with the team to help build excitement and connection.
Apple Watch: This is the ultimate convenience tool. With it, I can pause or adjust the music during practice without digging for my phone. It’s a lifesaver when I need to stop the music for quick instructions or a drill reset.
Medicine Bag: My Portable Workshop
In my Medicine Bag, I carry all the essentials for running a smooth practice or workshop. This bag has everything I need to stay flexible and adapt to unexpected situations. Here’s what’s inside:
Dry Erase Markers: Whether it’s a whiteboard for plays or writing out goals during a workshop, I never leave home without them. A quick diagram or written explanation often clarifies things faster than words alone.
3x5 and 5x7 Notecards: These are incredibly versatile. I use them for writing drills, organizing activities, or jotting down quick feedback for athletes. In workshops, I give them to participants for reflections, team-building exercises, or anonymous questions.
Post-its: Post-its are an underrated tool for brainstorming, group exercises, or labeling gear. They’re also great for quick motivational notes to athletes: “Great hustle today!”
Whistle on a Cord: Simple but necessary. Sometimes, the only way to get a group’s attention is with a loud, clear whistle.
External Battery and Cords: There’s nothing worse than running out of battery mid-practice or during a presentation. An external battery and charging cords ensure my devices are always ready to go.
Laptop Remote for PowerPoint: I use a remote to move through slides smoothly without being tethered to my laptop for workshops or film review sessions. This keeps me mobile and engaged with my audience instead of stuck behind a screen.
8GB Flash Drive: It’s old-school, but it’s saved me more than once. I keep backup copies of presentations and important documents on it, so if the internet fails, I’m still covered.
Being prepared is about more than just having the right tools. It’s about creating a seamless, professional experience for your athletes or participants. The less time I spend fumbling for supplies, the more time I have to connect, teach, and coach.
I speak at a lot of workshops and conferences. Oftentimes, I show up to do an event and somehow get talked into joining a practice…and I love it. There’s something about being back on the field or court, jumping into drills, and connecting with athletes that re-energizes me. It’s a chance to blend my love of coaching with my passion for teaching.
But here’s the thing—those moments only go smoothly because I come prepared. My coach backpack is my secret weapon. Whether I’m leading a keynote session, running a team workshop, or unexpectedly jumping into practice, I have what I need to adapt to whatever’s thrown my way. Being ready doesn’t just make my life easier—it helps me be fully present and focused on the athletes and participants in front of me. And that’s what it’s all about.
Having the right tools on hand means I can switch from speaker mode to coach mode without skipping a beat. I get to engage with athletes, help coaches with drills, and leave knowing I contributed something meaningful. Those spontaneous moments are often the most rewarding. Whether I’m running a warm-up, breaking down a drill, or just encouraging athletes to push themselves, it’s always a blast. And trust me—there’s no better way to practice what you preach than getting out there and leading by example.
Having a well-stocked bag allows me to adapt on the fly. A dead battery, an unplanned whiteboard session, or a last-minute music adjustment won’t throw me off my game. The tools in my backpack help me focus on what truly matters: empowering my athletes and creating an unforgettable experience.
