Be an Elite Coach, Build Elite Athletes

Things to develop your coaching and have a greater impact on your athletes. You define what your “elite” is!

By Isaac Leung, Athletic Skills

Hey reader,

How are you?

Common challenge I get from coaches is engagement levels.

Whether that’s a 1-1 or a group based, engagement is vital to ensure learning is maximised.

How do your athletes arrive to their session? Are they focussed on the training to come?

Also, something I often see coaches forget to work on.

Moving laterally! How do you coach your athletes to move this way?

Be an Elite Coach:

Engaging with athletes can be challenging, especially when some are primarily focused on simply playing the sport.

As coaches, how can we ensure they stay focused and aligned with the objectives of each session?

Warm-ups are arguably the most crucial part of any practice.

If athletes disengage during this phase, that lack of focus may carry over into the main session.

However, by infusing energy, intensity, and fun into the warm-up from the outset, you create an excellent platform for players to transition smoothly into the main drills.

5 Tips for Engaging Your Athletes:

1. Design drills that involve everyone and minimize waiting times.

2. Use language and tone of voice to drive intensity and enjoyment.

3. Warm-ups set the tone for your session—inject energy to carry into the main event.

4. Incorporate games, competitions, and challenges alongside your drills.

5. Educate athletes on the purpose behind each activity, helping them understand how it relates to the sport.

Build Elite Athletes:

Lateral movements are essential in many sports.

However, coaching lateral movement can vary depending on the sport or coach.

A common question arises:

Should athletes cross their feet over or shuffle for the most effective movement?

Personally, I don’t think there’s a right or wrong answer, as I’ve seen both methods work effectively. However, certain factors may influence the method you choose to move laterally from point A to point B.

Consider these factors:

• Time needed to move: If speed is crucial, crossing over may be more effective to turn the body quickly. Shuffling is often used when you have more time and need to maintain awareness of your surroundings.

• Distance to cover: The method may change depending on the length of the distance you need to cover.

• Movement required after the lateral motion: Your body position will differ depending on whether you're crossing over or shuffling. For example, do you need to accelerate forward at the end or rotate and strike the ball?

• Athlete’s natural preference: Some athletes may already have a more natural or favorable way of moving. Why change something that’s working?

What are your thoughts as a coach?

Do you have a preferred method? Which techniques work best in your sport or context?

Do you coach and emphasise lateral movements enough in your sessions?

Need help? Reply to this email and tell me your story...

Let me know if you want to chat further on how I can support you in your coaching! Whether you’re a S&C coach, Sports Coach or PT, I am here to help!

Speak soon,

Isaac 🙂 

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