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Author: Dr. Justin Lima | Posted: 9/1/2023 | Time to Read: minutes
Trust is Key in Coaching
Without it the best you can hope for is second place

Trust is a fundamental aspect of coaching it is the foundation of any successful coach-athlete relationship, and that it is essential for athletes to trust their coaches in order to achieve their goals. One of the key reasons why trust is so important in coaching is that it allows athletes to feel safe and supported. When athletes trust their coaches, they are more likely to be open and honest about their goals, their strengths, and their weaknesses. This allows coaches to tailor their training programs to the specific needs and abilities of each athlete, which can lead to better performance and greater success.



Another reason why trust is so important in coaching is that it allows athletes to take risks and push themselves to their limits. When athletes trust their coaches, they are more willing to try new things and take on new challenges. This can lead to breakthroughs in performance and the achievement of previously unattainable goals. Trust is essential for building successful teams and organizations, and that it is key to developing effective strategies and tactics. When athletes and executives trust their coaches, they are more likely to buy into the coach’s vision and work together to achieve common goals.

Coaches who prioritize trust in their relationships with athletes and executives are more likely to build successful teams and organizations, and to help their athletes achieve their goals. Trust is not something that can be forced or demanded; it must be earned through consistent, honest, and supportive coaching.

Know your role, be coachable.

One of the most important things for athletes and coaches to understand is the concept of “know your role, be coachable.” This means that athletes should have a clear understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, and how they fit into the team dynamic. Coaches, in turn, should be willing to provide honest feedback and guidance to help their athletes reach their full potential.

Unfortunately, many athletes and coaches struggle with these concepts. Some athletes may have an inflated sense of their abilities, and refuse to acknowledge their weaknesses or adapt to the team’s needs. On the other hand, coaches may be too focused on their own philosophies and strategies, and fail to listen to their athletes or adjust their approach when necessary.



To be successful in sports, it is essential for athletes and coaches to work together in a collaborative and supportive environment. This requires trust, communication, and a willingness to learn from one another. Athletes who are open to feedback and willing to adapt to their coach’s guidance are more likely to succeed, both individually and as part of a team. Similarly, coaches who are willing to listen to their athletes and adjust their approach as needed will be more effective in helping their athletes reach their goals.

Ultimately, the key to success in sports is to know your role and be coachable. This means being honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses, and being willing to work hard to improve. It also means being open to feedback and guidance from your coach, and trusting that they have your best interests at heart. By working together in this way, athletes and coaches can build strong, successful teams that are capable of achieving great things.

Winning coaches listen and learn.

However, it’s not just the athletes who need to be coachable. Winning coaches also need to listen and learn from others in order to improve their coaching strategies. Some coaches have big egos and think they know everything, which can hinder their ability to improve. It’s clear that winning coaches need to be open to feedback and willing to learn from others. They need to be willing to admit their weaknesses and work to improve them. Some coaches focus too much on things like social media and articulating their philosophy, while neglecting the basics of physical preparation.

In order to be successful, coaches need to focus on the fundamentals and be open to feedback from their athletes and other coaches. They need to be willing to fail and learn from their mistakes, even when the lights aren’t on. By doing so, they can create a culture of continuous improvement and build strong, successful teams.

Winning coaches listen and learn. They understand that success in sports is a team effort, and that everyone, including coaches, need to be coachable and willing to improve. By working together and being open to feedback, coaches and athletes can achieve great things and create a legacy of success.

Fail fast to find your identity.

One key aspect of achieving success in sports is the ability to fail fast. This means being willing to take risks, try new things, and quickly learn from mistakes. Make sure to fail in training so that your athletes are ready to perform when it counts. This strategy of failing fast allows coaches to quickly identify what is not working and to make adjustments before it is too late.

It is necessary to assess your own program and to understand where the gaps are in order to fill them. This requires coaches to be strategic and to focus on the things that will have the biggest impact on their athletes’ performance. In addition to failing fast and prioritizing, coaches need to realize the importance of having an identity as a coach. Coaches need to know how they will approach certain situations and to have a clear understanding of their coaching philosophy. This allows for more seamless communication and faster progress because there is trust in the relationship between coach and athlete.

In conclusion, failing fast is essential for coaches who want to find their identity and build a winning program. By prioritizing what is most important, having a clear coaching philosophy, and focusing on logistics, coaches can create an environment of trust and success for their athletes. When you do this and put your athletes first by gaining their trust you will build meaningful relationships that will build over time. These relationships can be the foundation of a winning program. For years to come!

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