As a coach which is your coaching philosophy?

In many individual sports, training still tends to focus almost exclusively on technical perfection, as if mastering athletic movements were the only requirement for success. This approach stems from the belief that precision and flawless execution are at the core of athletic performance. However, this perspective risks overlooking a crucial element: the development of awareness in young athletes.

Coaches often prioritize the mechanical repetition of movements, aiming to produce excellent performers. The goal is to create athletes who can execute technical gestures without mistakes, like machines programmed to respond to specific stimuli. While this method can be effective in the short term, it often leaves little room for the athlete’s mental and personal growth. As a result, young athletes become skilled at doing what they are told but fail to understand the reasoning behind their actions, the purpose of a technical or tactical choice, or how to handle complex situations independently.

This lack of awareness can become a limitation. When faced with more complex competitive contexts that require adaptability, intuition, and quick decision-making, these athletes may struggle. A “thinking” athlete, on the other hand, is not just a good performer but someone who understands the meaning of their training, can read situations, and brings a personal strategic vision to the field.

To overcome this issue, a shift in approach is needed. Coaches should encourage young athletes to ask questions, experiment, make mistakes, and reflect on those mistakes. This doesn’t mean abandoning the focus on technique but integrating it with mental and cognitive development, empowering athletes to take ownership of their journey. Only then can we nurture not just technically skilled athletes but individuals capable of thinking and acting with autonomy and awareness.