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,

This week, I’ve been listening to an audiobook and chatting with a couple of my clients who are sports coaches. They have been struggling to fully sell out their new workshops or camps, and from listening to the audiobook, I’ve put two and two together. I'll explain more below!

Additionally, I have been sharing one of my fun methods of coaching with athletes—how to be an animal! I’ll share more on why this is a great training method.

Be an Elite Coach:

They ask, you listen and deliver!

How often, as a coach, do you ask your audience what they would like to see more of or what sorts of things they’d be interested in?

Who knows best—the coach or the client?

This concept may vary in a team-based setting compared to a coach running their own coaching business, but there are some transferable lessons.

One sports coach I have been mentoring mentioned that they created new online videos on cricket batting techniques but were struggling to get their athletes to buy into them and watch them.

I asked the coach, "Did they ask for this, or did you just create them?"

His response was, “I felt they were needed to help them progress in their skills.”

Fair enough, but how does he know the athletes will respond well to this?

Is there a better way to deliver this if he feels it is necessary for his group?

As coaches and people, we aren’t mind readers. The best thing to do is ask.

I have been listening to many business audiobooks, and one recently discussed this principle: “They Ask, You Answer.” This really resonated with me, and I implemented these learnings with this coach, leading to great outcomes!

He asked his group, “What do you want more of to help your batting?”

The responses he received were predominantly for more one-on-one sessions and to have guest speakers at their training for further advice.

So, this is what he offered, and the results were excellent both financially and for the development of his group.

The number of one-on-one sessions he delivered doubled, so he was earning more. Simply asking a friend who was a batter to come down one evening sparked engagement and some lightbulb moments for his group.

They ask, you answer! You can’t read your group’s minds. Give them what they want, and they will pay/respond!

Build Elite Athletes:

You may wonder why moving like an animal can really impact your athletes.

What are the benefits of crawling like a bear, jumping like a frog, or wiggling like a worm?

Here are some key benefits that will significantly impact your athletes, regardless of their age or playing levels:

• It's a great way to coach many movements in one action.

• It develops various physical qualities such as strength, power, mobility, and stability.

• No equipment is needed, and it can be done in any space.

• It’s a great time saver.

• Anyone can coach these movements—no fancy demos required.

• Animal movements are relatable to youth athletes.

And most importantly… they’re FUN!

Want some ideas of different animal movements and games you can add in to your coaching? I am organising a new online CPD course for coaches on animal movements and looking for 10 coaches to pilot this! I have 6 spaces left so if you are interested and will get a great low price deal, Reply ANIMAL and I will get in touch!

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

Speak soon,

Isaac 🙂 

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