10 attributes of a good coach

Being a trainer may seem like an attractive and eye-catching job at first glance. However, it is one of the toughest professions and requires a lot of training.

The characteristics of a good coach are similar to those of a teacher. The success of the pupils depends to a large extent on the professional in charge and, if there are problems, it is the first to point the finger. In the sporting world, it is usually the coach who receives most of the criticism when something goes wrong.

Fans in front of the TV, as well as parents of athletes when they attend a match, claim to know more than the coach. It is not uncommon to see the media criticising the performance of coaches in the professional world.

The fault usually falls on the coach. If there are bad results, if there are problems in the dressing room, if someone doesn't agree with a decision... the criticism always goes to the coach. On the other hand, when things go well, the coach usually gets most of the credit. Therefore, the work of the coach experiences both sides of the coin, always depending on the sporting results of the team and the athletes.

Types of trainers

Although there are common characteristics, the truth is that every coach is different. Over the years, we have come across a multitude of coaches with different personalities, training styles, philosophies and approaches. As we said, we have come across a bit of everything:

• Some coaches are advocating safety and postponing training at the slightest chance of an approaching storm.
• Other coaches insist that the children stay on the pitch even though it is hailing like never before.
• Coaches treat all their athletes equally by giving them the same importance and playing time.
• Other coaches always have a couple of players sitting on the bench or not playing. With few exceptions, they deny the athletes the opportunity to play in their positions and where they really want to play.
• Coaches have a consistent background in the sport they are coaching and teaching.
• Other coaches do not even know all the rules of the sport in which their team competes.
• Trainers know the importance of child development and gender differences.
• Other coaches act from a frustrated coach's perspective and reflect a desire to compete and win at any cost.

Without having a great deal of knowledge, I think you can already get an idea of what is a good coach and what is a bad coach. Just as there are different types of coaches, there are also different types of athletes in a club. In this post we tell you how a coach should deal with a high performance athlete.

On the basis that you have identified the attributes that a good coach for your club should have, let's list the 10 attributes that a good coach should have:

Characteristics of a good trainer

1.- Is sociable, empathetic and has good communication skills. Conveys confidence, while understanding the children, gaining their trust.

2.- Attends, models and demands respectful behaviour, fairness and good sportsmanship.

Sets realistic and age-appropriate expectations for boys and girls. In addition, understand gender differences, but avoid reinforcing culturally based gender stereotypes.

4.- He is patient, keeps calm and never loses his cool.

5.- Does not unnecessarily interfere in the learning process during practices and games, knows when to teach, emphasises the positive, makes training fun and tries to teach that in sport it is more important to have fun than to win.

6.- Is up to date with new technologies, and uses them to improve communication and team management.

7.- He/she adjusts his/her training style to suit each athlete. Thanks to his or her experience, the coach gets to know his or her players one by one and is sensitive to their needs in sports and in their personal lives. He/she motivates each player to do the best he/she can and helps him/her to learn new skills.

8.- Look for opportunities for teamwork. Help your players to come together as an effective and cohesive team. For example, by organising team parties, going to other types of events together, going on trips together, etc. It is the little things that bring great value and bring a team together.

9.- Knows and masters issues related to the health, safety and development of players. To this end, he/she has knowledge of child development. It is also interesting that he/she knows about first aid and injury treatment.

10.- Insist on appropriate parental behaviour. It is very important that the first example of behaviour for children is their parents. There is no place for aggressive behaviour or parents forcing their children to achieve certain sporting results.

Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter if you want to receive resources and tips for coaches and club coordinators.