Top 3 Tips For Beginner Crossfit Coaches
I get asked a lot about what new coaches should focus on in the beginning of their coaching journey. I love getting this question because I always try to answer it from my perspective - as in what I wish someone had told me. In the informational day and age, new coaches are at both an advantage and a disadvantage. The advantage is that anything they want to learn can be done from their computer in the comfort of their home. The disadvantage is just that… the comfort of being in your home and not on the gym floor asking questions and observing. Also, they are often flooded with information that can be challenging to decipher as a newer coach. So I wanted to write down three things they can focus on to get started and stay on the right track:
Dive into the principles over the methods.
Too often I see coaches looking for the latest and greatest method around fill in the blank. The problem with that is when you only focus on the methods, you become married to that method. If it doesn’t work, or it plateaus, then you will be lost and searching for the next “red or blue pill.” Rather, spend your hours learning about intensity, volume, stress, movement selection, variance through reps, sets, and tempos, and the role genetic differences play in adaptation, periodization, and the general adaptation syndrome. If the beginner coach can get a sound understanding of the principles around strength and conditioning, then they can continually program and plan.
Learn the art of communication.
The true art of coaching lies with the connection of science to the human spirit. So often the coach’s plan is missed by the lack of ability to effectively communicate to the athlete. The better the coach can communicate, the more the athlete will buy in. The more the athlete buys in, the more trust they will have and the more effective the program will be. Understand the different archetypes of personalities and how to effectively communicate to them.
Keep it simple.
Stay away from the new shiny object. The best coaches in the world are the ones who can prescribe the least amount of work to drive adaptation, and continually provide the appropriate amount of stress in order to keep moving the needle, without causing unnecessary wear and tear and fatigue. Oftentimes, coaches drive athletes to high levels of fatigue when they try to do too much, or make things too elaborate. Have you ever heard the smartest people explain their topic? They make it so simple that a child can understand it. They can break it down in a way that whoever they are talking to can understand their point and navigate to the next level. That is the key to coaching. Keep it simple, yet effective, and build the layers from there when they are ready. This is an artform that is often lost through the glitz and the glamor of the athlete or coach chasing that “red or blue pill.” When what they need is just consistency and effort.
Looking for a coaching mentor? Check out Conquer’s Coaching Mentorship Program and learn from world class coaches.
