10 Tips for Coaches

Mar 4

Coaches, If you’ve been following along, you know I’ve been breaking down Bronfenbrenner’s Theory and the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model. But today? We’re taking all that knowledge and turning it into practical, no-BS coaching tips that you can actually use.

Because let’s be real—coaching isn’t just about what happens during practice. It’s about how you communicate, how you adapt, and how you show up for your athletes day in and day out. It’s about understanding that sports are more than just a game—they’re a tool for life. So lets get to it.

Here are 10 actionable coaching tips

#1) Understand the layers of influence:

Recognize how different systems (micro, meso, exo, macro, and chrono) shap an athlete’s experience. Your role extends beyond training sessions.

#2) Master Communication & Connection:

Build strong, positive relationships with athletes, guardians, and fellow coaches. Your communication style directly influences trust, confidence, and overall performance.
Pro tip: Practice active listening with your athletes, especially during high-pressure moments. At competitions, maintain professionalism—avoid burning bridges with other coaches or speaking negatively about them or their athletes in front of your own. A respectful approach fosters a stronger, more supportive environment for everyone.

#3) Know Your Role & Stick to it:

Coaches, it's time to move beyond the old-school mentality—collaboration is key! Trying to juggle 20 different roles is exhausting. Your primary job is to coach, not do everything alone.
Pro tip: A major red flag in coaching is refusing to work with outside professionals. The best coaches trust and collaborate with experts in other fields. Do your research, build a strong support network, and focus on what you do best!

#4) Adapt & KEEP Learning:

Coaching is an evolving profession. Stay open to new research, coaching methodologies, and athlete-centered approaches. Growth is non-negotiable. COACHES NEED COACHES!
Pro Tip: If doctors are required to do continuing education, coaches should too! There are plenty of affordable certifications available to keep you growing and improving. It’s hypocritical to demand hard work from athletes if you’re not willing to put in the effort yourself. Stay educated, stay adaptable, and show up for your athletes the way you expect them to show up for their sport!

#5) Integrate the LTAD Model:

Recognize where each athlete is in their Long-Term Athlete Development journey and adjust your training accordingly to set them up for lifelong success.
Pro Tip: Keep your information documented and track stats! Data-driven coaching helps you make informed decisions, spot trends, and measure progress. Don’t rely on memory—organized records lead to better coaching and better results! (stay tuned for more on this)

#6) Prioritize Emotional & Mental Well-being:

Athletic development isn’t just physical. Encourage resilience, emotional regulation, and self-belief in your athletes.
Pro Tip: Invest in a Mental Performance Coach to observe practices from the sidelines. Their outside perspective can provide valuable insights—not just on your athletes' mindset and performance, but also on your coaching approach and interactions. A second opinion can help refine your communication, leadership, and overall effectiveness as a coach.

#7) Create a Positive Training Environment

Team culture matters. Foster an atmosphere of learning, support, and accountability where athletes feel safe to grow.
Pro Tip: A positive training environment starts with strong team chemistry. When athletes, coaches, and staff get along, performance and morale improve. Prioritize team bonding activities to build trust, communication, and a supportive culture.

#8) Teach Life Skills Through Sport:

Focus on long-term growth, not just winning. Instill discipline, work ethic, teamwork, and leadership that athletes will carry beyond sports.

#9) Support Transitions & Career Longevity:

Development doesn’t stop at competition. Prepare athletes for post-sport careers and life beyond their playing days.
Pro Tip: Stay tuned for more blogs on Life Beyond Sport “Navigating Life Beyond Sport”

#10) Embrace the Responsibility:

Coaching is more than Xs and Os. You have a lasting impact on your athletes—commit to being the best mentor you can be. Your influence extends beyond the game, shaping their confidence, resilience, and character. Lead by example, invest in their development on and off the field, and create an environment where they can thrive not just as athletes, but as people.

Coaching is so much more than just running drills and calling plays. It’s about shaping the people behind the athletes, fostering a space where they can grow mentally, emotionally, and physically. By embracing these 10 tips, you’ll not only improve your athletes’ performance, but also help them build the life skills they need to thrive both in and out of sport. Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint—consistency, empathy, and dedication go a long way in making a lasting impact. So, keep learning, stay connected, and continue to show up for your athletes, because the work you put in today will pay off tomorrow. Let’s get to work!