Part I of the Series from the November 1993 Roller Skating Coach
THE ROLE OF PSYCHOLOGY IN COACHING Part One, by Jim Caylor |
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Just like physical preparation, the psychological preparation of an athlete is not an instant thing. The most important implications of sports psychology lie in long tenn planning and development and the prevention of crises. If our knowledge in the psychology of coaching were applied primarily towaId maximizing the personal growth and development of athletes the inevitable result would be the maximization of athletic perfonnance. Planning for pursuing the total development of young athletes is not only morally the correct thing to do but likely the only way to truly maximize their potential. In a world where athletes need to be able to cope with pressures, adapt to circumstances, keep things in perspective, exhibit discipline and maintain concentration in order to perfonn well, coaches cannot afford to short sell the development of psychological maturity and personal confidence and stability . Most people only pay lip service to topics like the personal growth and development of athletes and seldom offer specific suggestions to facilitate the process. The following are some suggested practical leadership ideas which can assist in maximizing the personal growth and development of athletes as well as their perfonnances. |
SEASONAL PLANNING FROM A
PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE If you don't know where you are going (and how to get there) you are bound to end up someplace else! This premise not only succinctly suggests a solid rationale for a topic of detailed planning for your skaters but probably also explains the majority of problems that exist in planning by skating coaches today. Detailed planning has beneficial implications for both the coach and the athletes. However, despite the fact that it is probably the most important function in coaching, it is without a doubt the most neglected. Problems can be avoided or overcome, progress and satisfaction can be assured by doing some detailed planning and communicating up front with young athletes. All too often the first practice is called, private lessons begun without anyone really understanding what is going on for the coming skating season. Try exploring the following questions with your skaters: 1. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE SKATING SEASON? 2. WHAT ARE THE COACH'S GOALS, PRIORITIES AND EXPECTATIONS? 3. WHAT ARE THE SKATER'S GOALS, PRIORITIES AND EXPECTATIONS? 4. ARE THE COACH'S AND SKATERS' GOALS COMPATIBLE OR IS THERE A MISMATCH? |
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