Coaching and Motivating Athletes
Presentation to the 21st Century Renaissance Conference 2002
Angela Dawson - Canada
Coaching / Mentoring Personal background Involving kids in sports Keeping youth motivated to the elite
level What you have to contend with What you need to do it How you do it
Coaching elite level athletes How do you keep the coach
motivated?
Personal background Father in charge of physical training
for the Canadian Army Sports instructor at Canadian
University Ski instructor and ski school Director National Sport Organization Manager
- alpine skiing Sport Program Officer for Canadian
Government Other leadership experience
Involving kids in sports
Is this really coaching/mentoring? How does this relate to leadership -
leading people who are starting out in any given activity
Keeping youth motivated to the elite level
What you have to contend with: Society is full of “quick fixes”,
not continuous, slow, long term work
The athletes may have up to 10 years of training ahead of them
Keeping youth motivated to the elite level (Cont’d)
What you need to do 1. Believe in them 2. Make them believe in themselves 3. Help with goal setting within reality 4. Get the athlete to surpass the
coach 5. Get the athlete to understand the
process they have to go through and have them enjoy this process
Keeping youth motivated to the elite level (Cont’d)
How do you do it 1-2. Supportive comments from coaches 2. Don’t allow the athlete to get off easy 3. break down the goals to something that is
manageable (long and short term) 4. Individualize the program – outside
experts 5. Help the athlete enjoy the process by
trying new things 5. Allow the athlete to “look like a fool” until
they master the activity 5. Provide challenges - if it’s easy they are
not working
Keeping youth motivated to the elite level (Cont’d)
How does this relate to providing leadership? 1. Encouraging, praising etc. 2. Delegating, empowering 3. Goal setting 4. Getting expert opinions 5. Enjoying the plateau -
Mastering the skills
Coaching elite level athletes
The components of winning Getting a coach you trust Enjoying practising Being willing to surrender to the
sport Finding the winning edge Mind set (ability to concentrate -
psychological toughness)
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