What is your athlete’s coach thinking? Why did they decide to become a coach? Do they have a “real job?” How good were they at their sport? How do you know they are the best coach for your child? Have you ever wondered what is your coach’s perspective regarding a sport, team, or – most importantly- your athlete?

Various Coaching Styles

As many different athletes you will find, the coaches you meet will vary as well. A coach may be:

• A volunteer or a paid coach
• Coaching full time or part time
• Competitive or recreational (or both) in their approach to coaching 
• Better with younger athletes or older athletes
• Demanding or encouraging
• A new coach or experienced professional

While watching a sport’s event, I often notice the coach’s reaction to the way the team or athlete is performing. I pay attention to the way they respond to a successful play or an epic failure. The expressions on their faces along with their body language and actions tell the emotions they are feeling on the sidelines.

Coaches are not playing the sport or performing in the event; however, they experience much of the same excitement and nervousness as their athletes. When coaches send athletes out to a game/meet, they have been an integral part of the training puzzle to prepare their athletes for that moment. They know the hard mental and physical work a team or individual has endured to prepare for competition. Coaches work endlessly on and off “the field” for a winning combination. 

Volunteer Coaching

If your child is on a team with a volunteer coach, such as AYSO, community little league baseball or flag football, it is safe to assume the coach volunteered because they love spending time with their own child, they enjoyed the sport when they were younger, and / or they are still active in the sport in another venue. Most of the volunteer coaches I have met are well intentioned and trying their best to help our young athletes learn the mechanics of the sport while having fun and finding some success. They offer their time to the team. Team parents could offer assistance when needed and take their children to scheduled practices and games. The coaches are only able to help their athletes if the athletes are open to instruction and attend practices.

Career Coaches

When you join a team or hire a specific trainer or coach, it is assumed you have already done your homework. You have spoken to others who work with the coach, you have observed the coach work with other athletes, and you have spoken to the coach and agree with their philosophies and approach to coaching. This is their part time or full-time profession, and you can expect they bring vast knowledge to your athlete’s training sessions.

Professional coaches should have years of experience. Perhaps they only trained in the sport recreationally; however, they have mastered many skills, are passionate about sharing their knowledge with others, and continue to learn as they progress through their coaching journey. Other coaches have been at the top of their game as amateur athletes. They lived and breathed their sport, often sacrificing other social or academic aspects of their lives. They know what it takes and how it feels to continuously train for competitive events. Their athletic careers have been decorated with failure and success. 

A Well-Trained Coach

Whether your child’s coach has enhanced their personal experience with formal education or has participated in specific training for coaches, you can expect they are knowledgeable and well suited for your athlete’s needs. Feel free to ask them about their training and experience. Remember to inquire if they are trained in SafeSport or another program designed to keep your child safe and healthy along the way.

Once you find someone you and your child trusts and enjoy working with, keep communicating with your coaches. With a new training team or coach, everyone is showing their best selves and getting along well. As time progresses, your athlete’s needs change and there will be many conversations regarding their path in their sport. Ask questions. Make sure you understand what expectations their coaches have for you and your child. Tell them what you hope for and expect as they work with your child. Athlete’s often change coaches throughout their careers; however, maintaining communication with your coach may prevent changes from feeling necessary or could ease the transition to another training program.

The way your child views their athletic journey should align with their coach’s perspective. A strong and positive coach/athlete relationship is essential for your child’s self-esteem, confidence, and progress.

Great satisfaction comes from sharing our sport and coaching our athletes through their own successful and joyful experience.