Coaching is Coaching

by Mike Duroe

"Whether you are coaching a young athlete in his or her very first competition or the elite athlete competing in the World Championships or Olympic Games, several elements remain constant for successful coaching."

Great coaches incorporate many special skills. Whether you are coaching kids or Olympians, individual or team sports, I believe there are certain qualities that help make a coach successful. Keep in mind that the term success is measured not only in wins and losses, but also in a coach's ability to develop lasting relationships with their athletes. Helping athletes to develop life skills and confidence are as important as explaining any game plan or teaching a technical skill.

In talking with athletes that I have coached and interviewing athletes from different disciplines who live and train at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, I confirmed my beliefs. Here are 10 very important attributes that successful coaches possess:

1. Honesty and Consistency - Athletes know when coaches are not being honest or consistent in the way they treat them. Honesty is always the best policy! Don't keep your athletes guessing about how you will handle certain situations. Be consistent!

2. Positive Reinforcement / Feedback and Enthusiasm - The days of chewing players out are long gone. Yelling and screaming for the effect is ineffective and can be counterproductive. Discipline is very important, but much better received when done in a positive way. Also, athletes can tell the difference between the "rah rah" coach and the one who is truly enthusiastic about the sport and about coaching them. Be creative and keep things lively in practice.

3. Confidence - Almost every athlete I spoke with said they wanted their coaches to instill confidence in them. Players can sense when you believe in their abilities and in them as individuals. Strive to gain the confidence of your athletes by displaying confidence in them. Constantly remind them of their strengths to reinforce that sense of belief.

4. Knowledge of Technical Skills - Coaches need to know their business. Be a student of the game. Take advantage of clinics and other learning opportunities so you will be well prepared. No coach can know everything, so you should continue to explore new techniques and strategies. Acquiring new knowledge is a dynamic process. Never stop learning from other coaches and athletes.

5. Understanding of Training / Preparation Principles - Just as important as knowing mechanics and skills, successful coaches need to know how to get their athletes ready for competition. Different things work for different people. Having a good understanding of the basic principles of physiology, nutrition and psychology are all important.

6. Ability to Asses Individual Needs - Know your athletes!!! More than every before, coaches need to treat athletes as individuals. Interview them and find out what they think will help them be their best. Monitor their progress so you know when to push them and when to back off. Knowing how to peak your team is one of the most important aspects of coaching.

7. Strong Work Ethic - Just like coaches want their athletes to be good workers, they expect the same from their coaches. Coaching is a difficult and trying job. It requires long and erratic hours, personal sacrifice and commitment to excellence. People can tell when you are working as hard or harder than they are. Lead by example!

8. Tough but Understanding - Athletes expect their coaches to be tough on them when the situation calls for it.

World and Olympic Champion Tom Brands said, "I want my coach to make me follow through on things even when it's hard. I expect them to know what's good for me." But many athlete's report that being "tough" can lose its effectiveness when used unneccessarily or too often. Athletes will perform for a coach that can be tough on them, but at the same time understand all of the underlining circumstances.

9. Trust - Trust is something that is crucial for any organization or relationship to function effectively. You must communicate your trust in each individual in order to successfully mold your team. Your athletes will trust you as long as you work at gaining that trust. Never take it for granted.

10. Communication - This is the tread that keeps everything together. Talk to your athletes, get to know them and put yourself in their place. All of these strategies will help you better understand what makes your players tick. Remember that one of the most important communication skills of all is listening.

My experience as a coach has allowed me so many exciting moments. But the thrills are the same whether I'm coaching at the local or regional kids tournament, or at the Olympic Games. When your athletes get his or her hand raised in victory, you can feel a sense of joy and accomplishment knowing that you may have made a difference.