How to Be a Coachable Athlete

Being a coachable athlete is a mindset that every student-athlete can control. It is all about having a positive, passionate, and motivated attitude. A coachable athlete is someone who listens openly and humbly to feedback and willingly applies that feedback to improve their athletic development. This quality is highly valued by college coaches, who often prioritize a recruit’s character over their athletic ability.

What does it mean to be coachable? It means you are open to being taught and trained to improve. You understand that you are not perfect and that there is always room to grow. You show appreciation for a coach’s time and feedback by actively listening and learning from them. Athletes who fail to be coachable often plateau because of their negative approach to criticism and their unwillingness to learn. The difference between a good athlete and a great one often comes down to this willingness to learn and improve.

Traits of Coachable vs. Uncoachable Athletes

It is easy to spot the difference between a coachable and an uncoachable athlete. Uncoachable athletes tend to pout, roll their eyes, or complain when they disagree with a coach’s criticism. This behavior not only makes them difficult to coach but also hinders their own development.

In contrast, coachable athletes have a different mindset. They are open-minded and willing to make changes to improve their game. They understand that constructive criticism is not personal; it is meant to help them get better. They are motivated and want to be pushed by their coach. They check their ego at the door and show respect for their coach, even when they may disagree with the feedback.

Demonstrating Coachability to College Coaches

It is not enough for an athlete to simply say they are coachable; they need to demonstrate it. College coaches pay close attention to how athletes act on and off the field. They observe how athletes interact with their teammates, opponents, coaching staff, and parents.

Here are a few things coaches look for:

• Attitude on the field: Are you a source of positivity and encouragement for your teammates?
• Demeanor: How do you behave when you are on the sidelines or when you are pulled from a game? Are you still engaged and paying attention?
• Interactions: How do you interact with officials and opponents? Do you demonstrate good sportsmanship?

College coaches need supporting evidence of a recruit’s character beyond a personal statement. Athletes have several opportunities to showcase their coachability, including:

• Camps, clinics, and showcases: These events are a great chance to show that you are receptive to feedback and willing to apply what you learn.
• High school and club competitions: Coaches often attend these events to evaluate how recruits interact with everyone around them.
• Official visits: This is an opportunity for the coaching staff and team to assess your character and how well you would fit in with the team.
• References and recommendations: A current or past coach can vouch for your character and ability.
• Social media: Your online presence can make or break your recruiting process. Post content that is centered on positivity and appreciation for your team and sport.

The Parent’s Role

Parents can play a significant role in fostering coachability by supporting the coach. When parents reinforce the importance of listening to a coach’s feedback, they are not only supporting the coach but also encouraging their athlete to be receptive to criticism. When parents criticize or dismiss a coach’s feedback, their athlete will likely follow suit, which can create a challenging dynamic. It’s important for both parents and athletes to remember that criticism is an opportunity to learn and grow, not a personal attack.