Given the current situation prevailing globally, the demand for Remote Coaching has now become stronger and more popular than ever. Here are six tips from all of us at KOACH to ensure that your coaching is at its best while overseeing your trainees both near and far.
While there is a considerable downside to remote coaching, the pros effortlessly outweigh the cons especially if the coaching is done right.
As a coach, what could be more important than a trainee being able to reach out to you wherever and however? At a time where there are multiple types of travel restrictions and social distancing measures being imposed and trainees ease of access to their respective coaches seem nearly impossible, Remote Coaching steps in to revolutionize the art of Player Management and Training.
1. Real Life Coaching Experience and Education
One of the best attributes of remote coaching is that you can still impart your in person coaching experiences to the athletes online. Following players on a one on one basis remotely over the years helps you, the coach, develop a greater understanding of the trainee. In the process you will develop a whole load of insights that you could use to identify and avoid any obstacles the trainees may encounter in their sports career.
2. Overemphasize Communication
One can be the best coach in terms of technique, however that does not guarantee you to be a complete coach. What makes a complete coach is an important factor we call “Communication”, and it is no secret that communication is the key factor in a coach’s success with a trainee. Probably the best and the most notable advantage online coaching has over “in person coaching” is the consistently always open door to get in touch with your trainees and vice-versa.
Being honest, concise, understanding and transparent with your trainee is extremely important while communicating with your trainee. A good remote training platform which enables communication makes life much easier and less complicated as you are assured of sharing simple, clear cut information among your coaching staff and trainees alike.
3. Using Technology to your advantage
Online coaching platforms enable you to create a massive library of data of your trainees. This historical data enables you to plan their development trajectory. You virtually know your trainee better than he or she does.
4. Consistent Feedback
Updating the trainees training log with an overview would ensure that each person is held accountable for the progress of their workout. Plan and allow for a discussion with a reflection at the end of each workout.
Make it a requirement for your trainee to give their respective feedback also. Be honest and give all types of feedback regardless if it is positive reinforcement or discussing what didn’t go well. This is what ultimately helps the athlete grow.
5. Make Your Presence felt
There are so many communication tools that you can get your hands on right now: Zoom, FaceTime, text, email, etc. Become as personable as you can as a remote coach. Since you manage your trainee and communicate mostly online, increase every aspect of communication and your presence online.
Remember to be seen on reputed blogs, training videos and social media to ensure you’re always “Out There”. Get your trainee to do the same by staying connected with you by sending their training videos to be analyzed and in turn send them quick and meaningful feedback on their performance.
If there is the slightest possibility to meet up with the athlete face-to-face at an event, during travel or passing through, make the extra effort to connect if and when at all keeping in mind the health guidelines set out by healthcare authorities.
6. Motivation
As a remote coach you need to constantly be a receptive coach instead of an unreceptive one. No matter what you or your trainee’s game plan is, the need for a motivational connection is of great importance.
Highlighting other trainee’s accomplishments or diving into what you’re doing in the sport—whether coaching, at the game or training helps build a close-knit community. This is a time where you can really showcase the continual support.
There are so many ways to improve upon your online coaching methods. In the end, nailing your remote coaching methods depends on having a mindset in which you prioritize effective communication, support and follow your athletes throughout their training.