Post 30: The Most Important Coaching Tool

          I remember in my days of college athletics being in the training room and seeing a sign in the "Doc's" office that said: "Your athletes will never care how much you know, until they know how much you care." This holds true on the training floor as well. Athletes are not (always) stupid people, and are usually good judges of character. Since they are subject to instruction and forced to follow diligent schedules all day every day (by their own sport coaches) they only really respond to people who are fighting for the same cause as they are. If you come across as a coach without any compassion for your athletes, I assure you they will not hesitate to show great and immediate contempt for your efforts. After all, they are trusting their success to you, and in this position - your credibility is always (read: before you even open your mouth) at stake.

          This means things as simple as appearance and conduct are going to comprise your apparent amount of commitment to them AND their well-being, particularly when dealing with athletes opposite your gender. High-caliber athletes tend to be very skeptical by nature. They've heard it all and they've developed preferences and proactive inhibitions accordingly. They're like that girlfriend who (thinks she) knows exactly what she wants based on her previous boyfriends (in this case: coaches) and will respond best if you keep your mouth shut until you get a feel for her. Let your athletes do the talking at first, and learn to mold yourself into what they want - there will be plenty of time for YOU to open your big stupid mouth later.

I'd like to modify Doc's sentimental quote above into: "Your athletes will never care how much you know, until they know how much you know."

         In this case, I'm talking about coaching cues. Be direct, specific, and confident. No competitive athlete will respond positively to cues that start with: "Well it's kinda like.." "Maybe try to.." "I wonder if.." NO. You have one chance to earn their trust, and if you blow that, it's like leaving the cages open at the zoo. If you don't know what I mean, you were either born an amazing coach - or you work with chess players.

                          

          Coaching cues are an art form in themselves. Like I said before, your knowledge is useless unless you can effectively convey your idea to your athletes. You have to keep your cues personal too, nothing drives a point home like when you can make it especially pertinent to a specific population. Make them feel special. I don't mean give them candy - I mean identify with each team, and as you progress, develop relationships with each individual athlete. If you simply don't have knowledge of the sport (basis for identification) then ask them before or after training about how their last tournament or game went, find out what they see when they compete. This will give you an insider's perspective, as well as help them recognize your personal investment in them. If you get really clever, you can start to develop cues that change their attentional focus while actually correcting 2 or 3 things inadvertently. Cueing them to concentrate on a spot 20 feet away on the ground while squatting can cause immediate neutral head position and better thoracic extension. This is particularly important when you work with large groups or teams, and need to make the most efficient use of your time and efforts.

          Sometimes the most effective answer (when applicable) is "I don't know." This doesn't work if the question is simple, and you're just a numb skull though. Athletes are crafty, and they will test you. But, if it's a serious question and a little bit outside your scope of knowledge, tell them you honestly don't know the answer BUT - and here's the catch - you will do everything you can to find out for them. This not only demonstrates your commitment to them, but also your ability to dig up information that they haven't been able to find on their own.

          Keep your cues as short as possible - sharp, mono-syllabic words are most effective with athletes. They like direction and structure. "Chest Up" "Butt Down" "Tight Core" things like that meet all three of our criteria. Beyond that, some one-on-one instruction once you get everyone else started can be effective if required, but remember. Make the experience special for them. Personal interaction in a bustling environment is one of many ways to establish a demonstration of their importance to you, and your personal investment in them.

-Alex