3 Strategies For Coaches To Increase The Impact Of Training

There are 168 hours in a week. A private coach may have as little as 1 hour of a player’s time during this period. That means 167 other hours each week that a player can be influenced by alternative sources; parents, friends, media, team coaches etc.

Each message from these sources has the potential to enhance or diminish the influence a private coach can have. With this in mind, what can coaches do to increase the impact of their message and stay on the player’s mind even when they are away?

Here are 3 strategies to help coaches stay connected with the player away from the training session…

Meaningful Unique Messages

These messages are based on your vision and vocabulary as a coach. When players understand the reason and the words a coach uses, it makes it easier for the player to relate to the coach. A coach who teaches players their vocabulary will expose the player to new experiences. Research has shown that new experiences create a stronger connection.

Training Improvement Practice

Think homework, but without saying homework. Training improvement practice can include such activities as practising a skill, reading an article, watching a video, sending a message or answering a question. Be creative in what you share.

The purpose is to provide the player with guidance that will help them develop and also keep them connected with you as their coach.

Apply to Other Areas

As a coach, it is important to know what else the player and their family are involved in. By knowing what’s going on in their lives you can help them connect the previous two strategies to other activities they are involved in.

There is no way to be with a player all the time, but that does not mean impact should be limited. Use these 3 strategies to positively stay on the player’s mind even while they are away from you to build an even stronger connection. This connection will only enhance their development.