Think about the last time at a practice when you and your players had fun and really laughed.

What was it that was so funny? Was it something that you did or said? Was it because of your sense of humor?

In a 2014 George Washington University study, 9 of 10 kids said “fun” is the main reason they participate in sports. Among the big “fun” factors, being a good sport, trying hard, and positive coaching were most important when it comes to having fun, while winning and other mental bonuses ranked near the bottom.

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The coach is critical to masterminding some of the “fun” elements for players. The ability to use a well-placed sense of humor can add significantly to the fun factor.

There are huge rewards to be had by having a sense of humor as a coach. Playfulness is infectious and, when exercised at the correct moments, can help build rapport with your group.

Sharing a joke and laughing can unite individuals and give them a greater sense of belonging. A humorous interlude can break the monotony of a particularly technical session or repetitive sequence of drills. Humor can be particularly useful for relieving stress, tension and pressure – three things elite athletes must overcome to reach optimum performance.

However, knowing when to establish a playful mood and when to maintain a serious approach is a constant balancing act.

Also, there can be a fine line between “laughing with” and “laughing at", which, if crossed, can easily lead to those being laughed at feeling excluded from a group. Using humor to display superiority in this way can quickly lead to friction and unrest.

Following a few simple guidelines will ensure the laughter doesn't turn into tears:

• Using humor productively is a direct reflection of your ability to read the person rather than the player. How well do you know your players?
• Consider the timing, tone and tenor of your use of humor. Think about what you say, how you say it, who you say it to and anticipate how it will land. If you think it will not be well-received, don’t share it.
• Understand the subtleties of humor. When the joke is over, move on and refocus. Failure to do so, especially with younger children, will mean things quickly get out of hand as they struggle to contain their enthusiasm.
• Think about the environment and how appropriate the use of humor is. The practice environment is one thing but what about game day?

You don’t need to be a stand-up comedian to use your sense of humor to add to the fun factor.

Well-considered, well-placed and well-delivered humor can add real value to your sessions and the players’ sense of enjoyment. It can also help them see you as a person—not just a coach. Notice how you use your sense of humor and consider what you can do to use it even more effectively.

Sarah McQuade is an independent coach education consultant, owner and director of e.t.c coaching consultants and co-director with The Coach Learning Group. To learn more about accessing how-to coach skills workshops click the Coaching Skills button at www.etcoachingconsultants.com.