In the world of coaching, we are constantly solving problems. The ability to recognize a problem, evaluate the problem, and make the effective decision in fixing the problem is certainly one of the most important skills a coach can have. It is a key component to being a great coach. No matter what stage of the LTAD you coach in, problems will arise on a daily basis in variety of means.
In the S&C world, this is the essence of what we do, with the goal of minimizing the amount of problems that might arise. Not strong enough? not fast enough? Constantly battling injury? Overtrained? These are constant problems we are always working on and trying find the best solution for. On a daily basis we are faced with common problems that we have a standard solution for, but new problems often arise that might require a fast solution.
From the core competency matrix, we know that must reframe problems, experiment with different approaches to find better solutions, and we must take responsibility for these problems.
Taking responsibility of a problem can be both the easiest and hardest thing to tackle. It is easy to place blame or neglect if you don’t have an immediate solution; however, this will simply escalate the problem. For example an athlete might show inefficient technique during a squat – which we know can lead problems in itself. It is easy to turn a blind eye to the athlete, especially in a team setting. Without proper evaluation and responsibility for why this is happening, there is a chance this athlete may injure himself. This injury might be short term or long term. Maybe this athlete has an undiagnosed hip impingement, and with repeated loaded squats the develop a labral tear and potentially further down the line the femur calcifies and they develop early onset of arthritis. Now this is an extreme case but not unheard of. If responsibility is taken, we can effectively evaluate this situation.
Good S&C coaches are constantly evaluating their athletes on a daily basis. This does not have to mean that you are testing the same thing. Careful on going observation of how the athlete is moving and responding to interventions, and taking quick notes that can easily be reviewed is crucial. The is nothing wrong with the element of trial and error as long as you are learning and taking note for future problems that might be similar. This is best done with teamwork. Each week I have my coaches get together and talk about what problems they might be having with their clients and athletes. This is great tool to have as we can each share our own response and knowledge to the problem, and everyone learns. This makes the problem easier to reframe and look at from a different angle.
No matter what type of coach you are, do not run from problems. Face them head on, take responsibility, come up with an effective solution using your knowledge, experience, or team members as help, and look at it from a different view. Being able to consistently and effectively do this, will lead to an abundance of success on multiple levels.