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 have observed many coaches recently and seen a common mistake in them all in where they are standing when observing their athletes movement or where they are performing demos in relation to their athletes.

See below for a lightbulb moment!

The Art of Coaching Positioning: Observing and Demonstrating. Can you see everything you want to see?

Are your athletes struggling to master skills despite your best efforts? It might not be their execution—it could be your positioning. Where you stand as a coach can make or break how effectively your athletes learn and improve.

Your positioning during demonstrations and observations is critical for ensuring clarity and accuracy. A well-placed coach not only provides athletes with a clear understanding of the task but also sharpens their ability to spot and correct errors.

I often see coaches demo with their athletes behind them. What does that give them in terms of a view to understand what you expect them to do. And we do it without realising.

Also are you stood still as a coach when your athletes moving? You only have one perspective if so!

Why Positioning Matters

Coaching positioning affects two key elements of athlete development:
1️⃣ Clarity for Athletes: Precise demonstrations allow athletes to visualise and replicate movements correctly.
2️⃣ Accuracy in Observations: The angle from which you observe can determine whether you catch subtle technique errors or miss key details entirely.

Mastering your positioning ensures that athletes grasp the movement while you have the tools to coach effectively.

Common Coaching Positioning Errors

1️⃣ Demonstrating at the Wrong Angle

• The Mistake: Facing the wrong direction during demonstrations or positioning yourself where athletes can’t see the key parts of the movement.

• The Fix: Always position yourself so that the athlete has an unobstructed view. For example, when demonstrating a lunge, turn sideways to highlight the front leg and body alignment. Give two demos and get your athletes to move around or change your angle.

2️⃣ Observing From a Single Angle

• The Mistake: Watching the movement from only one perspective, such as directly in front or behind, which can cause you to miss lateral imbalances or other key details.

• The Fix: Move deliberately to different positions. For example, observe a squat from the side for depth and alignment, then switch to behind to assess bar path and symmetry. Con

3️⃣ Standing Too Close or Too Far

• The Mistake: Standing too close may intimidate or distract the athlete, while being too far can make it difficult to notice small details.

• The Fix: Position yourself at an optimal distance—far enough to see the full movement but close enough to spot technical errors.

4️⃣ Overloading Athletes Mid-Movement

• The Mistake: Providing corrections while the athlete is mid-drill, disrupting their focus and flow.

• The Fix: Allow athletes to complete the movement before offering feedback. Use their rest period to provide corrections or demonstrate the improved technique.

Best Practices for Demonstrating

1️⃣ Simplify the Movement
Demonstrate the movement slowly and focus on one key detail at a time. For instance, in a sprint start, first emphasise body alignment, then introduce arm drive mechanics.

2️⃣ Use Mirrored Movements
Whenever possible, mirror the movement so the athlete can replicate it more intuitively. This approach is particularly effective for drills involving coordination or footwork.

3️⃣ Confirm Athlete Understanding
Before moving into full-speed execution, ask athletes to explain or demonstrate the movement at a reduced intensity. This ensures clarity and reduces frustration.

Best Practices for Observing

1️⃣ Change Your Perspective
Observe from multiple angles to get a complete picture of the movement. For example:

• From the side: Assess posture, alignment, and depth.

• From the front or back: Check for symmetry, joint tracking, and rotational control.

2️⃣ Leverage Video Recording
Use your phone or tablet to record fast-paced or complex movements. Reviewing the footage with your athlete can help identify errors and create an actionable improvement plan.

3️⃣ Avoid Interference
Stand in a neutral position where you won’t influence the athlete’s movement. For example, during a squat, avoid standing directly in front, which may alter their natural stance.

Practical Applications for Coaches

• Strength Movements: During a deadlift, observe from the side to evaluate back posture and bar path, then switch to behind to assess hip alignment.

• Running Drills: For sprinting mechanics, watch from the side to assess stride length and posture, then observe from front/behind to evaluate arm-leg coordination.

• Agility Work: For cone drills or lateral shuffles, observe from multiple perspectives to track both foot placement and upper-body control.

Key Takeaways for Coaches

1️⃣ Demonstrate Clearly: Position yourself so that athletes can see and understand the movement without distraction.
2️⃣ Observe Strategically: Change angles to gain a full perspective on the athlete’s movement.
3️⃣ Adapt to the Athlete’s Needs: Beginners and advanced athletes require different levels of demonstration and observation.

Final Thoughts for Coaches

Effective coaching isn’t just about what you say—it’s also about where you stand. Proper positioning can significantly enhance your ability to communicate, demonstrate, and correct. Small changes in how you observe and demonstrate can make a world of difference in your athletes’ understanding and progression.

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Speak soon,

Isaac 🙂 

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