More Coaching Reminders from Day One of the USATF Level 1 Certification

As I mentioned in the last post on the USA Track and Field Coaching Certification course, there was a great deal of time dedicated to the art of coaching itself, which in many ways is similar to the art of teaching. In addition to the information provided as part of the curriculum, we spent some time throwing out our own ideas and tips on successful communication. Most are obvious, some are cliche, and none will be new to most folks in a coaching, teaching or clinical environment, but frequently we can use reminders for even the most self-evident of techniques and principles (see: ‘Do unto others…..’).

Taken independently, the tips below can also be used as a guide or a focus for a given day. As an exercise, set out to a new day of work with the intention of being 100% successful at one particular skill listed below. The following day or week, consider setting the same goal with another skill (Ben Franklin, in his autobiography, outlines a similar approach for actualizing larger character traits such as temperance and moderation). At the end of a day or a session, as you reflect on your athlete/client’s performance, reflect on your own.

Talk Less
Wait for them to respond
Listen without anticipating
Repeat what is said
Maintain eye contact
When an athlete is focusing on how something is said, rather than what is said, the message can be lost
You can only say so much. Think carefully about what you say
Get them to sign on: Ask: 'are you ready to be committed to getting better/staying healthy/being an athlete?'

James CavinMarch 25, 2016