Top 6 Movies for Coaches and Their Teams

Movies can be funny, entertaining, thought provoking and informational. There have also been several movies made that are inspiring and motivational for both coaches and their teams. Whether you're coaching a football, track, chess, bowling or golf team, there are a list of movies that can be used as part of your preparation and training. In these movies teams overcome great obstacles and achieve great feats. Consider adding the following movies to your training plans:

Cool Runnings - This comedy was inspired by the Jamaican Bobsled Team who participated in the Winter Olympics for the first time in 1988. The Jamaican Bobsled Team had to overcome many obstacles to get to the Olympics. They faced problems with coaching, funding, training and equipment. You will be inspired by this team's commitment and determination.

Facing The Giants - If you are a coach looking for an encouraging movie, this is the one to watch. The story is about a football coach who just cannot seem to win. As a result, he finds out that secretly many are conspiring to replace him. After reevaluating his life as well as his coaching philosophy, the coach makes major changes leading to positive results in the game as well as his life and the lives of his players.

The Great Debaters - Starring Denzel Washington, this is a wonderful true story about the 1935-36 debate team of Wiley College. Amidst racism and various other obstacles, this small historically black college advanced to compete against Harvard in the national debate championships.

Remember the Titans - This is another film that was inspired by a true story. Remember the Titans has been used in several diversity and team building conferences/seminars. It is truly an inspirational film about team work, respecting and appreciating others and working through difficult times.

Hoosiers - Nominated for an Academy Award, this film tells the story of the 1954 Milan High School basketball team (the Hoosiers). The Hoosiers are a long shot for the Indiana state championship because they are an extremely small community. Nonetheless, under the direction of an unorthodox coach, the Hoosiers have an extremely successful season.

Eddie - This comedy is absolutely one of my favorite sports movies. Eddie (played by Whoopi Goldberg) is a huge New York Knicks fan. In a publicity stunt, Eddie becomes the head coach of the Knicks. The movie takes you through Eddie's journey to become an effective and winning coach despite her lack of experience and disrespect from both the players and management.

Team movie night can be a great time for the team to bond and an opportunity to have fun together. As a coach, these movies are wonderful to have around for those times in which you are a little discouraged and possibly ready to resign. Please share your favorite sports/team movie suggestions with us in the comment section. Have a great season!