Overheard from a Pro’s racquetball coach.
“These guys are all head cases!”
Now I’m thinking–“Who are you to be judging Racquetball Players?” This sort of condescending attitude toward others says more about the speaker than the players they speak of!
So Short and sweet is today’s racquetball mental treat!!
Coaching 101-
Empathy for your athletes! Remember back to when you were first learning the game? This is important. Leaving your comfort zone is important. Thinking you have all the answers is a mindset that may not be correct. Listen to your athletes and long for the day they disagree with you, not agree with you! That means they are becoming independent. That is the ultimate goal, to get an athlete to be their own coach!
Understanding what an athlete is going through, and deep respect for that athlete, from beginner to pro is the best thing you can do as a coach. If you do that, plus teach some good stuff, they will call you coach. The good stuff without the empathy for your athletes will not work and vice versa! I got a text yesterday from a teaching pro who was so excited. They shared with me their student’s excitement at learning the backhand. That is what a good coach is. Fired up for their student and with their student! Go Get’em Tigers!!