Coaching Tip: Occasionally, I will post tips specifically for the coaches out there. If you’re not a coach, you will still be able to use them to improve as an athlete, teammate or training partner. In fact, these ideas can be transferred over into many situations in your life.
Let’s say you name the movement, demonstrate it, explain it, and coach the athletes through the progressions. You want to give them simple coaching cues that help improve their mechanics (efficiency and safety).
But, how can you really nail it home and actually help them become better athletes (and maybe coaches as well)?
- After the athlete has completed a workout, or rep scheme with the movement they have learned or reviewed, ask him or her to name 1-5 important characteristics of that lift or skill.
- For newer athletes you might ask them for only 1 or 2 key aspects of the movement
- For more developed athletes you may ask for 3 or more specific pointers of quality movement
- Example: “What are 2 things I was making sure that you did during your Cleans?”
This practice will help individuals continue to learn and grow from your coaching. Increased athletic awareness will help the athlete to be more prepared for similar skills in the future.
