The previous coach would have daily speeches with the team about life, running politics whatever.
That’s not really my personality but I also don’t want the kids to miss out on something.
Are daily speeches still common for coaching? This is a high school team with a lot of young kids.
I try to go over training a little and talk to kids 1 on 1 each day but I am just not a team speech type guy.
What were you team experiences like?
If it fits your personality and the team’s then go for it. Most coaches don’t do that though
You don't have to make it a daily thing, but it's important to commit goals, expectations, and plans with the team. I would recommend a preseason presentation/q&a (think slideshow), and then pre race and post race meetings for discussion
Did you and your teammates feel like they helped you? If they did then I would try to incorporate them into what you do even if it isn't your style. Coaching isn't about being in our own comfort level, it's about getting the most out of our athletes the best way that we can.
I try to have some type of talking point lined up each week that hopefully imparts some wisdom. Early on it's mostly about training or building team culture, later it might branch out into life or inevitably some type of current event that the world is facing.
I was always a big X's and O's coach, but felt like some young athletes needed to hear things from someone other than their parents or teachers. Maybe it's helped a few, maybe it creates a safer space for them, maybe it's just me talking to myself during a warm-up.
If you felt like your coaches speeches helped you then I think it's worth going outside of your comfort zone to do the same for your athletes. If it wasn't a big help then don't sweat it, keep building connections with your kids and you'll still be ahead of plenty of coaches.