Coaches u0026 Long-Term Athlete Development
Coaches Take the Lead
Coaches are the frontline in helping kids have happy, healthy and age-appropriate experiences in sports.rnrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eIn addition to optimizing the athletic ability of each player and achieving the best team results possible, coaches play a critical role in creating a positive playing environment for athletes of all ages. For younger and new players, the coach’s role is to develop a love of ultimate and movement in general while teaching necessary skills. For older players, coaches work to polish skills and to work in a player-centered environment.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eA player-centered environment involves putting the needs and interests of the player ahead of the needs of the coach. It means getting to know the players on a personal level to learn what motivates and interests them. Remember the adage “You don’t coach a sport, you coach a person”.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eQuality coaches constantly seek to improve how they can develop better athletes and ultimate players.u003c/spanu003e
What is the role of a coach in long-term athlete development?
The successful coach:
u003culu003ern tu003cli style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022 aria-level=u00221u0022u003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eIs a transformational coach who gets to know each player as a person and works to develop the whole person, not just the ultimate player.u003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cli style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022 aria-level=u00221u0022u003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eCreates a team environment that is welcoming and respectful of all.u003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cli style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022 aria-level=u00221u0022u003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eCreates a player-centered philosophy through fun, engaging, and challenging ultimate experiences.u003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cli style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022 aria-level=u00221u0022u003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eFocuses on effort and development in the physical, technical, and tactical areas rather than outcomes such as winning.u003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cli style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022 aria-level=u00221u0022u003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eOptimizes player development, potential, and retention at all stages.u003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cli style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022 aria-level=u00221u0022u003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eUses developmentally appropriate practice drills, equipment, and games.u003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cli style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022 aria-level=u00221u0022u003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eDesigns practices and training to reduce the risk of overuse injuries or burnout.u003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cli style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022 aria-level=u00221u0022u003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eUnderstand the USA Ultimate LTAD model and how it applies to development.u003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003e
STAGE BY STAGE – rnOne Pagers
The links below provide summaries designed to give you some of the key elements in each stage of the LTAD model, based on your role as a coach: