What is a Coach?

Kocs is a small Hungarian village that is known for building horse drawn carts, called “kosci”. These carts transported people between Budapest and Vienna in the 15th century.

The word “coach” comes from the Hungarian word, “kocsi”.

Kosci were designed to transport people from where they are to where they want to go. It’s a useful and beautiful metaphor for what a coach is meant to do.

Essential Role of a Coach

The first responsibility of a coach is to create a safe environment. Not only do you need to take people where they want to go, they need to arrive safely. A coach has the power to facilitate a structure that supports athletes physically and psychologically.

Your team should have the freedom to take risks, make mistakes, solve problems, and grow. The ideal environment is one that challenges and supports the athletes.

Essential Role of an Athlete

Athletes are responsible for their development. Their participation in the development process must be active. When a productive environment meets a receptive athlete you will have a chance to expedite development.

What is Coaching?

Coaching is a partnership and the athlete has to let the coach in. This requires trust – an athlete needs to believe the coach has the competence to help them improve.

“Coachable players need ‘coach ability'” – Cody Royle

Athletes also need to believe the coach has their best interest in mind and will protect them. The coach as a guide will put the athlete first; it is their journey. One of the most popular articles I have written is titled,  Are You a Player’s Coach? If you are NOT a player’s coach, I don’t know who you are coaching.

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