Written by Have you ever had a coach, teacher, parent, boss or anyone else ever tell you that “we have always done it this way”? After decades or centuries, some things really do not change. Is it because the way something is done is really the best way, or is it because people are fearful of change or just do not want to change?
It is a great question as it is different in every situation. Sometimes the tried and true way is the best way, while sometimes it is not. But sometimes the old ways are still successful and even generate money, but what if the old ways could be updated and streamlined, made a safer environment for athletes, and where athletes become stronger, more agile, and even more competitive? Would you as a coach or a member of the front office say no to that?
As a coach or member of the front office, a way to better prepare athletes for competition is to start with a simple conversation. This conversation can be between coach and athlete, front office to coach, or maybe a coach of one organization to another about what they see happening within the organization, athletes, or changes within a sport. Maybe an old way of training frequently caused knee injuries and there is a new drill, set, calisthenics, stretching, or way of reducing the chance of injuries, wouldn’t you want your athletes to be at less risk for injuries?
The same question is for athletes’ mental and emotional health. Don’t you want your athletes to be able to perform at their peak performance level, both individually and as a team? This cannot begin until conversations with athletes happen, and their safety and well being are truly the priority. Just because mental and emotional health, safety, and well being were not a priority in the past, does not mean that it is still okay to do. Unwillingness or fear of change should not drive the organizational culture to where it does not care about its athletes or their health.
What can I do better as a coach to take care of my athletes? Genuinly ask your athletes that and truly listen to what they have to say.