Coaching in 2012 has some different demands that when I
started coaching in 1969. In so many ways how we meet those demands and adapt
to the changes in society and sporting culture will determine our effectiveness as
coaches. Here are three areas that I see as particular challenges today:
Increasing Specialization – For whatever reason there seems to be more coaches who are
specializing in narrower and narrower areas. I still maintain that it is best
to specialize in being a generalist. To ultimately prepare your athletes it is
important to have command of the big picture, to know how all the pieces fit.
Narrow specialization does not allow this.
More Emphasis on Science and Technology – Science has given us the ability
to measure & see things as never before but the challenge is to determine
what is relevant and what is a curiosity. Coaching demands a balance between
art and science. We must be careful that we do not become so dependent on
science and technology that we lose sight of the art. Remember that coaches, like artists hone their craft, they practice and adapt
constantly. They achieve greatness through attention to detail. Constant
challenge and refinement fuels their passion.
More Management Responsibilities – Certainly the world around the coach and athlete has become
more complex. There are more people involved in the process of athlete
development than ever before. In many cases the effectiveness of the coach is
measured by how effectively the coach can manage all the external factors so
that they can effectively coach the athlete. Today when the athlete is near or
at the elite level there is an entourage that must be constantly reminded that
the goal is to help the athlete perform at their optimum in the competitive
arena not to get more endorsements or a larger contract. That will come with
performance. It is imperative that the coach has command of this. It is not the
most fun part of coaching or the most gratifying but in today’s world it may be
most important.