THE challenges of coaching and training changes dramatically depending on the age of the team players or a more competitive team, because coaching and training athletes require more than just skills and drills; those require sensitivity, discipline, respect, communication, and a good sense of humor.
Training is an infinite activity to perfection that is why the coach does not only end training in a practice court or a game. Psychologically, they challenge themselves to have every player experience some level of success through their accomplishments, effort, concentration, discipline etc. using skills development exercises and drills to foster teamwork and cooperation.
Coaches differ in teaching and training methods and techniques purposely for the wellbeing of players. Here, goals are set from the start of teaching basic skills of the sport to the development of the personality of the player as an athlete which is an important factor in achieving these goals.
Aside from the “How to Play” strategy that usually goes with playing a sport, coaches and trainers should also focus on the fundamental areas of teaching, Playing should be “Fun”, especially for children, teaching the basics of sports with fun will be more appreciated by them, remember children play for fun. Older kids play for competitive fun and beyond that it is mostly for camaraderie and competition.
Alongside with fun is the introduction of “fitness” that should be instilled in their minds to appreciate a lifetime development of the mind, body, and spirit, not setting aside “teamwork” as an important factor of development because young players are egotistic or “me” oriented with very little awareness of team play or “us” when playing.
Skills differ depending on how the team players adopt in training as they grow old as well as their exposure in the sport through competitions, coaches/trainers in this regard has the responsibility to enhance the players’ skills through practice and review, introduction of new skills, as well as encourage team players for better communication and to practice decision-making skills.
Moreover, a diversity of players composes a team, some good players, novice or beginners, differences of skills, religion, players’ attitude, status of living etc. however, to a coach these factors shouldn’t matter, because if it does then he/she should think twice of being a coach.
Coaches have the responsibility of treating each player equally teaching them the same, something they may not get from their family life.
Instilling in the minds of players, most of these teachings is determined in the coaches leadership and examples, for them to respect themselves, respect the game, game officials, game rules, for other players, respect their parents and kin and respect for you as the coach.