How to Become an Effective Coach

Coaches are responsible for guiding athletes to reach their true potential.  Just like athletes need to prepare themselves to execute their best performances, effective coaches need to prepare themselves to be the best at their job. What are some of the strategies great coaches use? – Coaching strategies are molded to meet the needs of each athlete. Great coaches are very aware that each athlete has his/her unique talents, personalities, and needs. Coaches are constantly …

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Coaching or Over-coaching in Squash

It is quite common for junior squash players to be coached when participating in tournaments. Whether it takes place before or during the match, coaches provide important and insightful information that can help players make strategic game changes. Sometimes, coaches use their expertise to provide calmness as players feel highly pressured to succeed. Some players also need all the help they can get to regain focus and receive reassurances. I have witnessed coaches who are …

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Intrinsic Motivation to Achieve Your Peak Performance

We compete because we want to win. The inherent aspect of competition is that of doing one’s best to achieve the ultimate goal. When we were young, we were given rewards for just participating in an event; maybe it was a ribbon or a medal. Coaches and parents were thrilled to see us happy. In the process, we unconsciously learned that getting ribbons was a very pleasant experience worth repeating. As we grew up, we …

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NCAA men’s basketball greatest coach

To win the NCAA title once is a spectacular achievement; to win it 11 times, it is out of this world; to win it 7 consecutive times, no words can really describe it. Coach John Wooden led the UCLA men’s basketball team to those unbelievable achievements. It is one of those records that will stand for life. A lot was written about Coach Wooden and many have tried to copy what he did, but despite …

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Key Tips to Coach Females Athletes

Parents often consult me for guidance on the best way to coach their daughter. Very often young female athletes decide to participate in sports because of the implied social interactions. They enjoy participating in the same sport with their friends; however, as their level of competition strengthens, competing becomes more challenging and newer mental demands arise. Many emotional conflicts come up when female athletes are competing with or against their own friends. They find themselves …

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