The hallmark of a successful coach is that as he or she walks into a room to address their athletes, there should a still silence. In observation of the leader at the helm, this is clear evidence that said athletes have been taught a sense of honour and code of ethics and equally recognize one of the foundations of sport, that being discipline.
Discipline lay within the foundations of sport, along with the code of honour, commitment and loyalty. Unfortunately as evidenced by much of the modern sporting world, excluding martial arts in my opinion, this notion is not considered sufficiently.
Quite naturally discipline is a two-way street as to ask that of your athletes you must demand the same of yourself. As a young coach embodies a disciplined and dedicated approach they must build their body of knowledge throughout their career. Education is a welcomed, lifelong event and must not only include many aspects of exercise but cultural issues and ability to relate to your athletes.
With respects to specific exercise considerations, become competent in a variety of different mediums and approaches. It is relatively easy to learn proper weightlifting technique but invest the time with instructional classes, seminars or video review (DVD’s) and increase your knowledge. This is a profession and not a “fun” hobby and needs to be taken seriously. While I am repeating myself, we are building leaders of the future and those who do not take this with utmost seriousness and invest in their careers need to leave the work to professionals.
Fight the habit of myopic exercise approaches by becoming active in sport including those you do not normally take part in or have previously played. Develop and maintain a high level of general athleticism and become involved in playing recreational sports. This is an extremely important concern and shown in other aspects as coaches often allow their physical condition to drop significantly and shift training styles because they simply can no longer demonstrate movements correctly. There are many examples, none that I will note in a public forum but it is shameful when a coach allows their fitness levels to drop and then shift their approach to mask falling conditioning.
As a coach you are accepting a responsibility far greater than most will tell you. In-fact you are a beacon of light, a torchbearer for others to follow and if you cannot manage being a role-model this is unlikely a suitable profession. As this “torchbearer”, you guide and it is your duty to see your forces attain their goals. Duty is emblazoned on the heart of a great coach and you can persevere through the mightiest of storms. There are no trophies for being dutiful but it shines through every storm and remembered. Your work is selfless in assisting others achieve their goals hence the word duty resonates deep within your soul.
Concern for your own betterment is far outweighed by your need to benefit others. Hold the torch high and show the way for others as your success is based upon others goal achievement. Give this point significant consideration, for as you burn with the noble intention to better the lives of others, you will have an endless supply of motivation to make those goals a reality. With selfless desire to help others excel, you have the motivation of the ages and unstoppable. Breathe deep as you say to yourself, “I do this for you” and do so with utmost intent and conviction.
With each of these pieces the foundation of coaching nears completion with courage. Courage is lasting, a lynchpin that cannot be broken and serves as the sword of those who embrace that there are no compromises with principles and the breastplate to charge against adversity. To be courageous and rid yourself of fear moulds the other qualities together and recognizes your work goes beyond building great athletes but great citizens who build a better future.
Courage, duty and knowledge are the foundation blocks of a coach to go with The Code of honour, commitment and loyalty.
Prepared by John Davies
Photo Chad Shaw, please add “Chad Shaw, the Natural One”
John Davies is available on his personal page on Facebook , Renegade Training™’s as well as or Twitter.
John’s present supplement stack starts daily with the “athlete’s advantage”, Modern, Super Cissus, PowerFull and Prime, along with additional use of Recreate, Yok3d, Anabolic Pump and Pink Magic depending upon his training cycle (workout log 1, 2, 3, 4).
Disclaimer
The information provided in “Instant Training Improvement Tips”, as well as this web-site blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice for any condition. Always consult a qualified medical professional before beginning any nutritional program or exercise program. By reading this disclaimer, you hereby agree and understand that the information provided in this column is not medical advice and relying upon it shall be done at your sole risk.
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