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,

I’ve made this mistake.
You probably have too.

You’re on the sideline, watching a young player dominate the game. Maybe they’re quick, technically sharp, physically mature for their age—and you think, “That one’s got it.”

But what if I told you… that athlete might not be the one who makes it?
Worse, what if you’re overlooking the real talent standing right next to them?

That’s exactly what I uncovered when I spoke with Harry Varley, a leading Talent ID specialist, on the podcast this week. What he shared genuinely changed the way I think about identifying and developing young athletes.

We’re Obsessed With the Wrong Things

Too often, coaches focus on the flash—speed, size, and skill on the ball. But according to Harry, the real signs of long-term potential are in what athletes do when they don’t have the ball.

That means:
🔹 How they move
🔹 How they recover
🔹 How they adapt under pressure
🔹 Their decision-making without needing attention

We’re not looking for highlight-reel moments—we’re looking for habits.

The Growth Spurt Trap

Another game-changer: we confuse physical dominance with future success.

If you’re not factoring in growth and maturation, you’re risking two things:

1. Overvaluing early developers who might plateau

2. Giving up too soon on late bloomers who just need time

The athlete’s body today is not their final version. Coaching based on how they look now—without thinking about who they’re becoming—can hold back or even harm their development.

Stop Watching the Game. Start Watching the Athlete.

This hit me hardest. Coaches spend 90% of their focus on where the ball is. But the real gold? It’s in the space around it.

Want to know who your smartest players are?
Watch what they do when they’re not in possession.

That’s where you find anticipation, movement intelligence, and true potential.

So, What Can You Do Differently Starting This Week?

Here are 3 things I’ll be doing—and I’d encourage you to try them too:

✅ Shift your focus. Spend part of training just watching off-the-ball behaviours.
✅ Talk about growth. Help athletes understand that changes in their bodies are part of the journey—not something to fear or push through blindly.
✅ Praise potential, not just performance. Recognise how they learn, adapt, and show up—not just how they play today.

Here’s the Bottom Line

Talent ID isn’t about spotting superstars.
It’s about creating an environment where more athletes have the chance to become one.

You might not be able to pick talent perfectly, but you can absolutely develop it better.

If that hit home, I’ve got something for you.

🎥 I recorded a podcast with Harry Varley, diving even deeper into Talent ID, scouting, and what elite coaches are doing differently.

👉 If you want me to send you the video, just reply to this email with the word "TALENT" and I’ll send it your way.

Need more help? Reply to this email and let’s chat!

Speak soon,

Isaac 🙂 

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