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,

Hope your week has been good so far.

In todays newsletter, we are focussing on the theme of individual focussed.

We touch on how you as coach can tailor for each individual.

And also we focus on a large, unexplored area lacking in research, the menstrual cycle and the effects it can have on female development and performance.

Great for any coach who works with female athletes or clients! See below for a video you can watch for more information.

Before we dive in, if anyone is interested in being a guest writer and sharing what’s happening in your coaching or training, or if you have advice you'd like to share, let me know. I’d love to feature some of you in this newsletter!

Be an Elite Coach:

Understand that every individual is different; one size does not fit all.

We now recognise that each person can learn in unique ways, respond to different cues, and have specific needs that best support their development.

In a group of 10-20+ athletes, it can be challenging to differentiate and tailor instruction for each individual.

So how can you get the best out of each person without spending too much time explaining and addressing each one individually?

• Throughout the session, make sure to speak to each athlete briefly. Check in on how they're doing, offer a word of encouragement, and ask if they need any support.

• Vary your demonstrations with visual cues, explanations, and constraints that allow them to feel what is “right.” This approach caters to different learning styles.

• Try grouping athletes with similar learning preferences or ability levels, or pair advanced performers with those who may be struggling, using the more experienced ones as peer coaches.

• Design your session to target various strengths and weaknesses. Include drills that cater to different attributes, such as speed, endurance, or strength.

• Position yourself strategically to observe everyone while ensuring that you remain approachable.

Now, when thinking about each person as a individual, and looking at female sports, menstrual cycle is a massive consideration coaches need to think about.

Build Elite Athletes:

Menstrual Cycle Considerations

The menstrual cycle can significantly influence female athletes' performance due to hormonal fluctuations affecting various physiological and psychological factors. The cycle, typically lasting 28 days, includes the menstruation, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases, each presenting unique challenges and benefits.

During menstruation, some athletes may experience discomfort and reduced energy, which can hinder performance. The follicular phase, with rising estrogen levels, often sees improved mood and endurance. However, the ovulatory phase, characterised by peak oestrogen levels, may increase the risk of ligament injuries due to changes in ligament laxity. In the luteal phase, higher progesterone levels can cause fatigue, mood swings, and thermoregulation issues, potentially diminishing performance capacity.

Individual variability is significant, with some athletes experiencing minimal impact from their menstrual cycle, while others are more affected. Understanding these fluctuations allows for better training and competition planning. Personalising training loads and nutritional strategies can help mitigate negative impacts and optimise performance throughout the menstrual cycle.

Click here to see a video that explains more about the menstrual cycle with an expert in the field, Scott Newbould.

Need help or support in taking your coaching to the next level? Or understanding how you can work with your female athletes? Hit reply and get in touch and let’s have a chat!

Speak soon,

Isaac 🙂 

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