Be A Role Model. The Impact of The Coach On Junior Athletes
Athletic coaches have an impact on junior athletes that stretches far beyond teaching the fundamentals of technique.
Sure, without proper technique, athletes will not succeed in their desired sport. However, not all junior athletes are trying to achieve professional status, or a collegiate scholarship. Regardless of their student’s athletic ability, a good coach will provide a role model that stretches beyond the athletic playing field.
Coaches of the highest level will produce winning individuals and teams. But what does it mean to be a Winner?
To me, a winner is an individual who understands what success is, and a champion of character.
What does it mean to be successful? According to legendary UCLA Basketball coach, John Wooden:
“Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming”
Junior athletes across the world come from many different walks of life. No matter the situation, a good coach can breed success in any student. Athletes lucky enough to work with such a coach will all leave with one thing in common — A champion sense of self.
Gone are the days where coaches used to “beat” athletes into optimal performance. Of course, I am not going to pretend there is only one proven method to getting the best out of someone, but pushing junior athletes to the point of both mental and physical exhaustion is always running the risk of burnout. Athletes who are pushed to this point typically display negative behaviors, a lack of motivation to practice, lack of empathy, and will exhibit an overall negative demeanor.
A coach fulfilling their role properly will be able to identify the limits of their student, and stay within the boundaries of their threshold. This will enable the student to consistently maintain the highest level of their performance, thus achieving the maximum rate of success.
Many coaches underestimate the importance of encouragement. Looking back at my own experiences as a junior, I remember many quotes and teachings I received throughout my development. The importance of encouragement is unparalleled, and an individual who is led to believe failure is a lesson to be learned — and overcome — will continue on the path of improvement.
“Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be” — John Wooden
A coach’s impact on an athlete stretches beyond the playing field. Athletes will look to their coach for examples of leadership and professionalism that will also play a role in their everyday lives, especially as they enter the working world. John Wooden famously derived his “Pyramid of Success” to highlight the importance of coaching behavioral practices such as hard work, compassion, cooperation, loyalty, and enthusiasm to help influence athletes toward personal development and success. This influence overflows to create positive character in an athlete’s life, while acting to improve their athletic performance simultaneously.
It is entirely the responsibility of the coach to become a dependable leader, and role model for their student. A coach who is able to connect with their student on a personal and professional level will form a cohesive unit with them.
The relationship between a coach and a junior athlete is perhaps the most unique professional relationship out there. A good coach will demonstrate the importance of overcoming failure, and will be there to encourage their students towards achieving excellence in all areas of their lives.
As a coach myself, I take distinct pride in encouraging each of my students to be the best they can be. I actively empathize with them on every level, to provide them with both a role model, and a pillar of support within their lives.
