Why Elite Athletes Do Not Always Make The Best Coaches

Introduction Successful athletes nearing the end of their careers have traditionally been recruited in large numbers as coaches in elite performance settings. However, I believe that high performance athletes do not necessarily make good coaches, tend to be overrated in terms of their potential, and are provided with disproportionate opportunities to access high profile coaching positions. The positive reasons why they are considered as potential coaches are clear. They will be likely to have developed a sound knowledge of the: 9 sport itself 9 demands made of elite performers 9 social context within which it is played Furthermore, they will possibly: 1 9 be recognised as high achievers 9 command respect and admiration 9 be motivational role models for aspiring athletes 9 have experienced years of sport specific coaching, from performance level coaches. But let us caste a more critical eye over their credentials for such an influential and crucial role. Is this knowledge acquired through prolonged participation narrow or broad focused? An expert is someone who knows more and more about less and less – i.e. they may coach what they know, and not seek help in areas they are less sure of. For example, international judoka often tend to specialise in two or three throws, armlocks, or hold-downs. Thus, would they realistically be able to help beginners to develop a foundation of 2 broad ranging techniques; or coach competitive performers who prefer other techniques? In rugby union, elite performers may have great familiarity with the rules, roles, techniques and tactics specifically associated with their particular position. But would a winger be better able to coach a hooker, because they have experience of high-level participation? Similarly, ex-football players who were attackers, may experience success in improving team offensive, but difficulty in improving defensive performance Knowledge of demands made of elite performers. To what extent is this based on personal experience only? Does it help to better appreciate sub-elite demands? Knowing the demands does not necessarily mean that you understand how to prepare for them. A performance cyclist recently told me how her coach had subjected her to a gruelling training regimen, because it had previously worked for him in achieving competitive success. The 3 programme took no account of individual differences in motivation, training response, potential, or even gender! Nor did it recognise the possibility of improvements in training methods. Not surprisingly, the athlete's performance suffered, the coach-athlete relationship …