Coach, we all know that, it’s the little things that matter, and that little things, eventually add up to big accomplishes, successes and wins.
Many years ago, I was told that I had a “Knack” for coaching the younger athletes. Not 100% certain what was meant by that, I looked up the definition.
A skill or an ability to do something easily and well.
Do you have a knack for coaching?
If you do, you likely value the ‘little things’. Using your senses as a compass to direct you on how to support, encourage and coach each individual athlete. We were given ‘our senses’ for a reason. Using all of them are important in coaching and building rapport, and I wanted to share my top 10 Trust-Building Tips.
Top 10 “Little Things” That Matter
Taking an Interest:
Take an interest in their day and ask them how their day went. I ask them this question while they’re warming up. It sets the tone and creates a great atmosphere for the workout ahead.
Being Attentive:
Be attentive to them when they speak. Make eye contact. Focus your eyeballs on them. This will show your interest in them is sincere and you are totally engaged to see them succeed.
Tuning in to Body Language:
Understand body language. Assess their gait, position of their head and shoulders when they walk in for a training day. The ability to dissect body language will provide valuable information on how to plan a training session. Getting to know each of your athletes’ body language sends a message that you’re tuned in and they may want you to notice if they’re dealing with some difficulty. Body language is a billboard that you must be able read. They may be coming to training just to talk to you.
Being Adaptable:
Be adaptable on the fly. You may have to change their work out to a lower or to a higher intensity day based on their energy level. Dragging feet tells you it will be a low CNS day. On the contrary light feet will tell you full speed ahead with your training day game plan.
Being Detailed Oriented:
Correct the little things. This shows them you’re paying attention to them. They’ll remember this and they will test you. It’s not if, but when they get sloppy with mechanics you need to address this immediately showing you’re totally all-in on their athletic development. You need to pass their test, be on the ready and get that A plus. This also sends a direct message you demand a high level of commitment. They will respect and honor this.
Explaining “the how” & “the why”:
Explain the how and the why you make them perform the lateral gait cycle correctly. This goes for all movement exercises. Educating them will show you care about their performance. Tell them you want to see a transfer of training to their competitive court or field from your gym. This shows you want them to excel and you will get buy-in from the athlete to believe in your training methods.
Leading with Energy:
Have passion in your voice. The tone of your voice will sell you or bankrupt you. A monotone voice shows disinterest and mediocrity within your program. A passionate voice tells your client you’re proud of their progress and reflects a steadfast commitment to them.
Giving them a Say:
Let them take some ownership. I will often let them decide what percentage of their one rep max they want to do during a heavy day. They want to display confidence in determining their outcome for the day.
Being Positive, Period.
Be positive. Be an energy giver. They will look forward to your training sessions knowing that you will change their day for the better. Positivity breeds excellence and self motivation to get better.
Having Fun:
You have to add FUN during the grind. It can be a dad joke, it could be talking about something as silly as landsharks or daring them to put barbecue sauce on their ice cream! Be sure to add an element of FUN.
Coach, it’s the little things that matter. You may have others to add to this list, feel free to add them in the comments of this blog!
Author: Doug Heslip
Doug Heslip is the owner of Heslip Elite Sports Performance Training in Negaunee, MI and the creator of Seek & Destroy – Elite Running Back Drills a video product for football coaches. He works with young athletes in a variety of sports and teaches football coaches how to incorporate speed & agility training into their sessions.
For more information on developing athletes, the IYCA Certified Athletic Development Specialist is the gold-standard certification for anyone working with athletes 6-18 years old.
Use Code HESLIP15 at checkout to receive 15% all of the IYCA resources.
The course materials were created by some of the most experienced and knowledgeable professionals in the industry, and the content is indisputably the most comprehensive of any certification related to athletic development. Learn more about the CADS certification here:
