HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT SPORTS COACH part 2

SAFETY As an athlete or parent trying to choose the right coach, take a tour of the field, dojo. Is the environment appropriate for safe training? What are the procedures in case of injuries or emergencies? Is the equipment safe and standard? Does the coach understand age appropriate training?

TALK TO OTHER ATHLETES OR PARENTS. The best research to do on a coach is to talk to current or past students/parents of the said coach. Ask as many questions as possible. This might be an eye opener, something that no testimonial, certification or social media pages can reveal. One can also visit the facility incognito to see first hand on the coaching staff skills and the environment.

ASK FOR A FREE TRIAL. Most coaches offer a free training session to gauge on level skills of the student and the direction and training method to take. Take advantage of this free session to also monitor the skills of the coach and if his/her training methods fit your expectations. After the free session, a good coach will have a sit-down with you and go through the session. If you are not a perfect fit for him, he should refer you to another coach or suggest a different direction to take.

CONCLUSION Most coaches may not fulfill all of the above, so it’s up to the athlete/parent to make a check-list of what they consider as the most important for them. Is it the location, timings, safe environment, charges, their goals, coach’s experience…….? Get 80% right and you might just have the best coach for you. Happy Training!!!!!

Written by Aguta Onsando aguta@sported.co.ke