Being a parent has, in my opinion, helped my coaching immensely. Within my own household, I have 2 humans I get to watch grow and develop daily. While they are clearly not "performing" in their daily lives at a high level, it enables me the ability to see growth in real-time. Today I was reminded while watching my nearly 1-year old daughter that just because we cannot communicate verbally does not mean we do not understand what we are hearing or seeing. I told her it was bath time and she immediately headed for the stairs and up to the bathroom, despite her inability to even reply with something as simple as "OK."
As coaches, it's important to take this to heart. For instance, we may be able to identify a movement efficiency without being able to competently explain exactly why it is occurring or exactly how to fix it; or to explain it in a way that the athlete understands. But this just means we have to continue to work and grow toward an even better understanding that does allow us to communicate effectively. As well, realize that just because the athlete isn't doing what we're asking of them, it isn't necessarily because they don't understand. They just might not be capable of it. If they lack the motor control or physical abilities to carry out what is being asked of them, it is our duty to do what is necessary to either increase their comprehension of the task, or improve the requisite abilities to allow them to carry it out.
They might not be ignoring you, they're just babies.
You're not an idiot; you're just a baby.
No comments:
Post a Comment