Training or Coaching?

Are you training your athletes or coaching your athletes? There
is a clear distinction. Unfortunately today I see much more training than
coaching. In another post I plan to address the reasons, meanwhile here are
some distinctions between coaching and training as I see them:

Training – focused on the result. Just get it done.

Coaching – Focused on the process, how it is done, making
sure it is repeatable.

 

Training – Self centered, all about the trainer, the athlete
can’t do it without the trainer.

Coaching – All about empowering and teaching the athlete.
Creating self-sufficiency rather than dependence.

 

Trainer – Has all the answers.

Coaching – Always gathering data from the training, fine-tuning
and learning.

 

Training – Lots of screaming and yelling, ”motivating.”

Coaching – Purposeful, meaningful feedback and cue’s, communicating
and teaching.

 

Training – Focused on equipment, needs machines and
apparatus to train.

Coaching- Focused on the athlete and the sport they are
preparing for and coach accordingly. Use what is needed and necessary, not
bells and whistles.

 

Training – Scattered, all over the place.

Coaching – Focused on the task at hand. No cell phone!

 

Training – Follows the latest fads, listens to gurus.

Coaching – Knows best practice and follows it. Stands on the
shoulders of giants. Has a mentor.

I think this gives you the idea. Which are you? Look at
yourself and look at your colleagues, if you are a trainer, become a coach.
Coaching is much more satisfying and rewarding.