A subtle yet significant distinction between being right and being better is incorporated into every professional’s life and career. This difference is crucial to understand, as it can mean an expansion of understand why you do what you do. There’s often a silent battle between asserting one’s knowledge and understanding the nuanced needs of athletes and fellow coaches. The desire to be “right” can sometimes overshadow the ultimate goal: improvement and success in the game.
The strength coach’s role isn’t merely to implement robust training programs; it’s also to foster a collaborative environment where understanding and communication thrive.
Understanding begins with active listening. When we listen attentively to athletes and peer coaches, we open doors to insights that might be invisible through the lens of “being right.” It’s about appreciating the unique attributes and limitations of each athlete, acknowledging the specific requirements of different sports, and respecting the perspectives of other coaches.
This approach not only strengthens the coach-athlete relationship but also crafts a training regimen that is truly tailored, effective, and reflective of the athletes’ and the game’s dynamic needs.
The Value Of Strength
Strength isn’t merely a physical attribute measured by the amount of weight an athlete can lift; it’s a multifaceted quality that empowers athletes to perform at their peak. Strength is the silent engine that drives the explosive sprints down the football field, the high jumps on the basketball court, and the powerful swings on the baseball diamond.
However, the value of strength extends beyond physical prowess. It’s a psychological asset that instills confidence, resilience and determination in athletes.
When athletes recognize the tangible improvements in their game resulting from enhanced strength, they are more inclined to commit to the rigorous, often grueling, training sessions in the weight room. This commitment, in turn, cultivates a mindset focused on continuous improvement and excellence, essential for both sports and life.
A Case For Improvement
It’s a compelling testament to the transformative power of improvement. Acknowledging weakness is often the first step. With this awareness, the athlete can engage in targeted strength training, gradually building the muscle power necessary for effective play.
But the journey doesn’t stop at physical improvement. Dedication to enhancement must mirror game strategy, positioning, and the athlete’s overall approach. In this way, athletes become not just a stronger players, but smarter, more strategic ones, standing out significantly among their peers.
In the pursuit of excellence, being better should always take precedence over being right. As high school strength coaches, fostering an environment that values improvement and understanding over perfection is crucial for the holistic development of athletes. By doing so, coaches both contribute to their immediate success in sports and also instill in them lifelong values of dedication, hard work, and continuous learning.
At Concordia University, St. Paul, we offer both an online PhD and EdD in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Strength & Conditioning.
The online PhD in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Strength & Conditioning is designed to prepare you for a career in academia or research. Graduates will be prepared to publish their own work and collaborate with other researchers, as well as teach at the post-secondary level.
Our online EdD in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Strength & Conditioning is designed to help you apply research to solve real-world problems. Graduates will be prepared to pursue leadership roles within corporate wellness, higher education, professional sports organizations, and more, in addition to teaching at the post-secondary level.
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Enhance your strength and conditioning knowledge while preparing for the CSCS by enrolling in the Strength and Conditioning concentration at Concordia University Chicago. Our fully online MS in Applied Exercise Science program, focusing on Strength and Conditioning, is tailored for working professionals, offering asynchronous classes for flexible learning at your convenience. We maintain small class sizes to foster connections with both your peers and instructors. Additionally, the option for dual concentrations is available.
