"The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person's determination."
- Tommy Lasorda |
What is Sports Coaching?
In sports, a coach is an individual that teaches and supervises, which involves giving directions, instruction and training of the on-field operations of an athletic team or of individual athletes. This type of coach gets involved in all the aspects of the sport, including physical and mental player development. Sports coaches train their athletes to become better at the physical components of the game, while others train athletes to become better at the mental components of the game. The coach is assumed to know more about the sport, and have more previous experience and knowledge. The coach’s job is to transfer as much of this knowledge and experience to the players to develop the most skilled athletes. When coaching its entail to the application of sport tactics and strategies during the game or contests itself, and usually entails substitution of players and other such actions as needed. Many coaches work at setting their own rules and regulations. They are expected to provide and maintain a drug free environment, act as a role model both on and off of the fields and courts. Coaches must ensure that their players are safe and protected during games as well as during practices.
However, Sports Life Coaching (SLC) is much different. It is the goal of the Sports Life Coach to encourage, support and believe in his client by asking the challenging questions so that the athlete can work through his thought process. Take a Quarterback for a professional sports franchise. If he is struggling to have the success he desires there might be a negative thought process lingering in his psyche'. The SLC will ask many questions geared at assisting the athlete in finding his own answers and then helping them to implement those answers into his game. By assisting the athlete find his own solutions, the athlete has done the mental workout necessary to achieve his desired goal(s). Sometimes this can be very easy, others it may take many sessions to get to the root of the problem. Nevertheless, the SLC is dedicated to his client and will help him to succeed. |