Coaching with Games: PART 1
Welcome to our 3-part Coaching with Games series! We’ll highlight skills, methods, and best practices for using games with your teams. As NICA coaches, we… Read More »Coaching with Games: PART 1
New IMBA Trail Champion course for NICA coaches
IMBA has created a new course to help NICA coaches learn how to turn their passion for mountain biking into lasting trail access for their… Read More »New IMBA Trail Champion course for NICA coaches
GRiT is not what you think it is
Girls’ rides, GRiT Give it a Go events, league programs, recruiting more girls, or crafts at the GRiT tent during race weekends can all be… Read More »GRiT is not what you think it is
Line Up (off- and on-the-bike versions)
The classic game of Line Up is a fun, no-setup-needed game to promote problem solving and working together as a group.
Mechanicals & Maintenance
The best parts of NICA practices are watching student-athletes tackle new challenges, rolling down swooping singletrack, and experiencing the joy of bikes together.
Cultivate a Climate of Mastery, Not Comparison, on Your Team
Is your bike team chasing podiums, or is it chasing progress? This month’s feature Trailhead article explores the benefits of “mastery climates” and the pitfalls… Read More »Cultivate a Climate of Mastery, Not Comparison, on Your Team
Game of the Month: Red Light, Green Light
Learn how to play Red Light, Green Light on bikes, a fun NICA team activity that helps student-athletes practice braking, bike-body separation, and track stands… Read More »Game of the Month: Red Light, Green Light
Game of the month: Between the Lines
Whether it’s through a tight section of singletrack or along a narrow log skinny, riding a consistent line is an important ability out on the… Read More »Game of the month: Between the Lines
National Youth Athlete Survey findings you can use as a coach
In the fall of 2025, NICA student-athletes had the opportunity to participate with young people around the country in a study of youth sports. The… Read More »National Youth Athlete Survey findings you can use as a coach
Flipping the Script: What Happens When You Build a Team Around Girls First?
What happens when girls are not just included, but centered? When a team is built around their experience, their voices, and their growth? The result… Read More »Flipping the Script: What Happens When You Build a Team Around Girls First?
Coach game night: A winning way to build culture from the top
Preseason is the perfect time to get coaches together and begin building camaraderie, team culture, instruction skills, and a focus on fun. Are coach group… Read More »Coach game night: A winning way to build culture from the top