Choosing a Coach

 

Many skaters have written to ask advice about issues with their coaches.  I have experienced a lot, both good and bad, with the coaches I have had and I really feel a need to share what I believe is important when looking for a coach or when trying to decide whether or  not to stay with a current coach or move on. 

The biggest and most important thing to look at is the skater-coach relationship, which must be built on trust and respect.  Without trust and respect, the relationship just will not work.  Since  the skater and coach spend an enormous amount of time together, there has to be a connection, a mutual respect.  A good coach will also be a good role model, both on and off the ice and will foster positive growth in their skaters.  For me, personally, I need a coach who is positive and yet challenging, a coach who knows how to get the best out of me.  I think it is also important to look for a coach who is fair with all the skaters and will not play favorites.  A good coach helps their skaters with a plan to reach their goals and will push them to that end.  The coach will sit down with their skater and discuss goals and make a plan.  They will motivate and educate and will never degrade.  A coach who has temper tantrums, stomps and kicks the ice or boards, yells and screams and plays mental games with the skater is abusive and should be avoided at all cost.  Coaches are paid good money to instruct, motivate and help the student become the best skater he or she can be.  A good coach will help their skaters believe in themselves.  Of course this is just my own opinion but I have experienced both positive and negative and I can tell you a skater performs better when they have b een treated with respect and have been coached with positive reinforcement. 

 A coach should be easy to talk to and have good communication skills, not only with the skater but also with the parents.  They should be there for you.  Skating is a beautiful and fun sport and your coach should be someone who helps make the skating experience wonderful and enjoyable.  Your coach will be someone who not only helps you be a better skater but who also helps you become a better "you"!