I get a lot of questions concerning private coaching and the biggest is “Why does my son or daughter need a private coach, when they have a team coach?” My answer is always – It depends on their goals.
If the goal is to stay in a more recreational setting, occasionally participating in local tournaments, then a private coach is most likely not needed. On the other hand, if the goal is to participate at a National or International Level, a private coach is something I highly recommend. Here is why.
1) A private coach can have an immediate impact on performance
A coach develops has the ability to develop training sessions focused on specific areas where an athlete needs the most development. Mistakes can be instantly corrected, eliminating the risk of developing bad habits. The chances of the “do-it -yourselfer” going astray multiply as small differences in form can make for huge losses in performance over time and without supervision. A private coach also reinforces good technique, discipline and love for the game.
2) A private coach can have a long, term impact on an Archers performance
In only a few sessions, an Archer will see concrete gains in individual performance and competitive effectiveness with peers, in turn, fueling confidence. The resulting shift in attitude due to increased confidence helps the Archer tackle future challenges, both on and off the field. Even small gains can inspire the Archer to keep working on their skills and reinforce positive behavior. Successful athletes continue this dedication to improvement over the long term, which shows in the game, in school, and in life.
A great private coach needs to be able to connect with their athletes and build strong rapport, as it is a very personal relationship and requires a deeper level of trust than a traditional athlete-coach relationship. If your Archer begins working with a private coach that doesn’t seem like a good fit, don’t waste time hoping things will improve; you need to move on quickly and begin looking for a new coach. Once you find that “perfect” private coach, you’ll quickly realize that the extra effort to find him or her was well worth it.
3) A private coach can become a mentor figure and a soundboard for frustration
There’s something to be said for the non-technical impact a private coach can have on an Archer. More often than not, a coach has shot in tournaments and can relate to the difficulties and frustrations of the athlete. A private coach ultimately helps the athlete overcome these challenges by equipping him or her with right tools and by being a great role model.
This is not to say that all private coaches will have a profound positive affect on the Archer; like with anything not all private coaches are created equal and a bad one can even be detrimental. It is important that you are consistently communicating with your archer to be sure that they’re not only improving from their session but also enjoying them. Good team coaches don’t necessarily make good private coaches, just like good players don’t always make good coaches.
4) A private coach can complement a team coach and help fill in the gaps
As extra responsibilities are added to a team coach’s plate, especially with the growth of our Archery programs, team coaches no longer have spare time to work with athletes one-on-one. Beyond time and resource restraints, team coaches often lack specific technical expertise to provide specialized instruction for each unique Athlete. Here is where a private coach can help “fill in the gaps” of group instruction. This will strengthen the Archer individually, and make him or her a stronger and in the end enhancing the value of a team coach’s instruction.
A great private coach needs to be able to connect with their athletes and build strong rapport, as it is a very personal relationship and requires a deeper level of trust than a traditional athlete-coach relationship. If your child begins working with a private coach that doesn’t seem like a good fit, don’t waste time hoping things will improve; you need to move on quickly and begin looking for a new coach. Once you find that “perfect” private coach, you’ll quickly realize that the extra effort to find him or her was well worth it.
When looking for a Private Coach, as always, athletes or parents should check the certification and references of potential coaches. In some cases, a private coach can offer services without any training, licensing or certification. And without a school or other governing body monitoring them, injury or misconduct can go unreported and unpunished. Set up an appointment with the potential coach and “interview the Coach.” A good coach will do the same with the Athlete and the parents.
If the goal is to stay in a more recreational setting, occasionally participating in local tournaments, then a private coach is most likely not needed. On the other hand, if the goal is to participate at a National or International Level, a private coach is something I highly recommend. Here is why.
1) A private coach can have an immediate impact on performance
A coach develops has the ability to develop training sessions focused on specific areas where an athlete needs the most development. Mistakes can be instantly corrected, eliminating the risk of developing bad habits. The chances of the “do-it -yourselfer” going astray multiply as small differences in form can make for huge losses in performance over time and without supervision. A private coach also reinforces good technique, discipline and love for the game.
2) A private coach can have a long, term impact on an Archers performance
In only a few sessions, an Archer will see concrete gains in individual performance and competitive effectiveness with peers, in turn, fueling confidence. The resulting shift in attitude due to increased confidence helps the Archer tackle future challenges, both on and off the field. Even small gains can inspire the Archer to keep working on their skills and reinforce positive behavior. Successful athletes continue this dedication to improvement over the long term, which shows in the game, in school, and in life.
A great private coach needs to be able to connect with their athletes and build strong rapport, as it is a very personal relationship and requires a deeper level of trust than a traditional athlete-coach relationship. If your Archer begins working with a private coach that doesn’t seem like a good fit, don’t waste time hoping things will improve; you need to move on quickly and begin looking for a new coach. Once you find that “perfect” private coach, you’ll quickly realize that the extra effort to find him or her was well worth it.
3) A private coach can become a mentor figure and a soundboard for frustration
There’s something to be said for the non-technical impact a private coach can have on an Archer. More often than not, a coach has shot in tournaments and can relate to the difficulties and frustrations of the athlete. A private coach ultimately helps the athlete overcome these challenges by equipping him or her with right tools and by being a great role model.
This is not to say that all private coaches will have a profound positive affect on the Archer; like with anything not all private coaches are created equal and a bad one can even be detrimental. It is important that you are consistently communicating with your archer to be sure that they’re not only improving from their session but also enjoying them. Good team coaches don’t necessarily make good private coaches, just like good players don’t always make good coaches.
4) A private coach can complement a team coach and help fill in the gaps
As extra responsibilities are added to a team coach’s plate, especially with the growth of our Archery programs, team coaches no longer have spare time to work with athletes one-on-one. Beyond time and resource restraints, team coaches often lack specific technical expertise to provide specialized instruction for each unique Athlete. Here is where a private coach can help “fill in the gaps” of group instruction. This will strengthen the Archer individually, and make him or her a stronger and in the end enhancing the value of a team coach’s instruction.
A great private coach needs to be able to connect with their athletes and build strong rapport, as it is a very personal relationship and requires a deeper level of trust than a traditional athlete-coach relationship. If your child begins working with a private coach that doesn’t seem like a good fit, don’t waste time hoping things will improve; you need to move on quickly and begin looking for a new coach. Once you find that “perfect” private coach, you’ll quickly realize that the extra effort to find him or her was well worth it.
When looking for a Private Coach, as always, athletes or parents should check the certification and references of potential coaches. In some cases, a private coach can offer services without any training, licensing or certification. And without a school or other governing body monitoring them, injury or misconduct can go unreported and unpunished. Set up an appointment with the potential coach and “interview the Coach.” A good coach will do the same with the Athlete and the parents.
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