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What Makes a Great Coach?

Explore healthy (and recognize unhealthy) coaching behaviors with Coeus.

Photo by Briana Marie: NorCal Interscholastic Cycling League

Many of us have a favorite coach, teacher, or other influential adult from our youth who was able to connect with us and provided support to help us grow. At the same time, it’s all too common to recall at least one coach who was far from a favorite. Perhaps this was due to the way the coach treated the athletes or the culture of the team. Negative experiences with coaches can have a major influence on whether youth athletes leave a sport entirely! Clearly, this is not our goal as coaches, so how can we ensure our athlete’s experience with us is the best it can be?

Healthy and unhealthy coaching behaviors are a hotly debated topic among athletes, parents, and coaches. This month we’re exploring coaching behaviors through the lens of sports psychology to identify and discuss a range of healthy and unhealthy coaching actions. Learn some simple adjustments you can make to your “coach approach” to make a positive impact on the athletes you coach. 

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Tim Curry, Coeus

About the Author

TIM CURRY

Tim is an Associate Professor of Exercise Physiology in Boise, Idaho with over a decade of experience and an Exercise Physiologist for the US Speedskating National Team’s Sports Science Commission. He is also one of the Coach Development Managers for the Idaho Interscholastic Cycling League and a NICA Coach Supporter.

Tim co-founded Coeus Education Systems alongside Bethany King in order to meet a need among NICA-certified coaches: educational content specifically built to enhance the knowledge of middle school and high school cycling coaches, available at an affordable price. 

The Coeus mission is to create and provide custom-built educational content guided by field experts who not only practice, but actively teach the subject matter at a collegiate level. Every Coeus course is tailored to meet the needs of the learner using proven instructional design.