Why It Matters More Than Ever
Whether you’re running a kids’ football session on Saturday mornings, guiding adults through cricket drills in the evening, or always on the hunt for smarter ways to lead, there’s one golden rule for effective coaching today: coach the person, not just the player.
This people-centered approach isn’t just a feel-good trend. It’s a proven way to support performance, build confidence, boost retention, and deepen enjoyment of sport at every level. In this guide, we’ll break down what it really means in practice and how you can bring it to life with the players you coach.
What Does It Mean to ‘Coach the Person’?
At its heart, this philosophy recognises that your athlete is more than their skillset, stats, or performance. They’re a full person—complete with emotions, experiences, goals, and quirks. When you coach the whole person, you connect with their why, not just their how. You foster trust, wellbeing, and motivation beyond the scoreboard.
Why Should Club Coaches Care?
Let’s look at some real-world benefits for each of you:
- Coaches of Children: Creating a space where kids feel heard and supported helps reduce dropouts, manage behaviour, and build lasting confidence—even during rough patches.
- Coaches of Adults: Adults come to sport for community as much as competition. When you show up as an empathetic coach, your sessions feel inclusive and engaging—especially for beginners.
- The Curious Coach: This approach is deeply aligned with athlete-centred coaching. It’s a practical lens through which to explore psychology, motivation, and feedback, regardless of the sport.
How Can I Start Coaching the Person More Effectively?
You don’t need hours of extra training. Small shifts in mindset and interactions can have a big impact. Here’s how:
- Know Their Why: Ask players what brought them to sport. Are they here to make friends? Build confidence? Achieve a goal? Use this as your coaching compass.
- Build Psychological Safety: Encourage questions, embrace mistakes, and avoid public call-outs. Learn more about this via Positive Coaching Alliance.
- Check In, Not Just On: A quick “How are you doing today?” or “Anything on your mind?” before practice builds trust and shows you care.
- Celebrate Effort and Growth: Don’t only praise outcomes—shout out resilience, teamwork, and curiosity.
- Balance Structure with Flexibility: Not every drill works for every player. Adapt sessions to current moods, energy levels, or even weather.
What If I Don’t Have Time for ‘Extra’ Coaching?
We get it—most grassroots coaches are stretched. But coaching the person isn’t about creating more work; it’s about being more intentional in what you’re already doing. Even adjusting your tone of voice or asking one thoughtful question can shift the energy of a session.
And ironically, this approach can save time long-term—less conflict, fewer dropouts, and stronger team commitment mean smoother sessions and less stress for you.
How Do I Handle Tough Behaviours or Emotions?
When players act out, it’s often a signal, not just a problem. Maybe they’re overwhelmed, unsure, or seeking attention. Responding with curiosity—“What’s going on today?”—rather than confrontation can defuse tension and open dialogue.
If you’re unsure how to manage anxiety or emotional regulation in young athletes, check out The Mental Game Clinic for helpful resources on mental fitness and coaching psychology.
Final Thought: You’re Coaching a Legacy
The lessons you share as a coach—fair play, perseverance, friendship, self-belief—often last much longer than the sport itself. People may forget the season record, but they’ll remember how you made them feel every time they stepped on the pitch, court, or track.
So yes, coach the technique. Run the drills. But never forget: behind every player is a person. And when you coach that person with care, everybody wins.
More Resources to Explore
- Developing the Whole Person (UK Coaching)
- Positive Coaching Alliance (US-based but globally relevant)
- Youth Sport Trust
