Coaching or Being Coached At A High Level

Hey blog, how are we feeling today? I am approaching the end of my semester, so let's go out with a bang, shall we?

Coaching or Being Coached at a High Level: What Does it Really Look Like? 

Today, I am going to be discussing a topic that many of you can more than likely relate to, and if not, then come along for the ride. When people hear the term "high-level coaching," they are most often going to picture in their minds the major college programs such as Ohio State and Oregon. They are also going to think of professional teams such as the Cleveland Guardians, with their routinely packed stadiums and highly intense practices. They will think about the strategies and talent required to win big games. While all of this is well and good and certainly a major component, being in these environments as both an athlete and coach has shown me that high-level coaching goes far beyond what the average person sees on the surface. High-level coaching does not solely revolve around how skilled the athletes are or how much knowledge the coach has about the game. It is defined by standards, communication, unbreakable relationships, and how each member of the team responds to adversity. 

In my own experience, having played several sports at the highest levels and coached younger athletes, I have come to realize that high-level environments simply have a different feel. There are expectations to uphold, and one of them is that everyone brings a certain "something" each and every day. Simultaneously, there is also a constant focus on improving the player and coach that you are every day. Nobody has "made it" even when you are widely regarded as one of the best in the game. That day arrives when you make it to the hall of fame long after your career has finished. This combination of high expectations and continuous growth is what truly defines high-level coaching. 

What "High-Level" Truly Means 

Many people will jump to the conclusion that high-level coaching simply means being far more intense and demanding, but it is much more than that. It's about creating a culture where excellence is the standard. For example, the Pittsburgh Steelers have a saying: "The standard is the standard." The so-called "standard" is not defined, but everyone knows what it is. Excellence. At the highest levels, standards are not only discussed but lived out each and every day. 

This ranges from aspects such as effort, preparation, focus, and even attitude. For example, showing up late to practice or giving half the effort possible may be acceptable in a lower-level environment, but at the highest levels, these actions stick out like a sore thumb. Far more importantly, they are addressed immediately. This consistency is what contributes to a strong culture. 

I have experienced this firsthand. When I was competing at the higher level, there was no such thing as a "day off" mentality. Even if I did not feel the best physically, I was still expected to not only compete, but also communicate and contribute. At first, this can be truly overwhelming, but over time it becomes second nature. You begin to expect more from yourself and have a drive to become better than the day before. 

The Role of the Coach: Leadership Over Everything 

At a high level, coaching is much less about teaching the fundamentals or skills and more about leading your athletes. Strategy is a vital component, but leadership matters far more. A coach could have the greatest game plan ever constructed, but if athletes do not buy into the system or trust the coach, that plan fails miserably. 

Great coaches understand that every athlete is substantially different. Some need to be motivated and pushed harder than others, others need encouragement, and others must be held accountable in other ways. The challenge becomes figuring out what each athlete truly needs and meeting that demand consistently. 

In my own coaching experience, even with youth athletes, I have noticed how vital this concept is. Not every player is capable of responding the exact same way. One athlete may improve rapidly without criticism, while another may break down under the same treatment. Learning how to adjust one's communication style is vital when coaching at any level, but it becomes far more important at the highest levels of competition. 

The greatest coaches I have been around have led by example. They consistently bring positive energy, are always prepared, and hold their players to high expectations. They do not ask their athletes to do anything they themselves are not capable of. This kind of leadership builds respect, thus also building trust. 

Communication: The Foundation of Performance

One of the greatest differences between average and high-level teams is communication. At the highest levels, communication is never-ending. It is also intentional and meaningful. It does not revolve around merely calling plays but making sure every member of the team is on the same page. 

Effective communication from a coach is defined by clear expectations, specific feedback, and honest one-on-one and team conversations. Athletes at the highest levels do not just desire feedback, but they demand it. They want to know what they are doing well and where they can improve. 

I have had coaches in my career who were capable of relaying detailed feedback, breaking down every movement I made, and analyzing my decisions. This style of coaching made the greatest impact on my development. On the contrary, I have also experienced coaches who have simply said, "do better", which gives no sense of direction in where improvement is needed. 

Now that I am coaching athletes, I try to apply what worked for me throughout my career. I focus on being as specific as possible. Instead of throwing out the occasional, "that was bad", I will say, "your foot placement was off, you need to square up more to make contact". This gives my athlete something that they can genuinely improve on. 

Communication goes both ways, as the saying goes. Athletes must also be capable of communicating with their coaches. Whether it's asking questions, expressing concerns about their game or coach, or giving feedback, this openness builds stronger relationships and improves overall performance. 

Training for Pressure, Not Avoiding It

At the highest levels, pressure is a substantial part of the environment. You cannot avoid it, but you can prepare for it. The greatest athletes will maintain certain standards and will perform when the pressure is the highest. This is what truly separates the average athletes from the legendary. 

In high-pressure situations, everything is moving a mile a minute. Heart rate is increased, decision-making is rapid, and mistakes feel game-changing. The athletes who walk away successful are the ones who remain composed and trust in their preparation. 

This does not happen by coincidence. It stems from how practices are structured. High-level coaches create practice environments that are structured to simulate real in-game pressure. This could be due to time constraints or to competition-based drills that constantly challenge the athlete. 

From my own experience, the more realistic and competitive a practice is, the more prepared you feel for the actual game. When you have been exposed to pressure in practice, it is not as overwhelming when it actually takes place in the game. 

Being Coaches at A High Level 

Being a high-level coach is by far one of the most difficult experiences an athlete can have. It requires endless discipline, accountability, and a willingness to be uncomfortable. 

You are constantly under a microscope, as your performance is constantly evaluated. Your effort, attitude, and consistency are also analyzed. There is zero room to make excuses. This can be very overwhelming initially, but over time, it contributes to building resilience.

One of the greatest lessons I have learned in high-level sports is how to take ownership of my actions. At this level, coaches are not going to hold you responsible for every part of your game. They will provide guidance and feedback, but it is entirely up to you to apply it. If you do not put in the work on your own, it is easily noticed. 

I have had moments where I had to sit myself down and analyze my effort and commitment. This level of self-awareness is vital. It is easy to place blame on external factors, but true growth comes from looking inward and asking yourself what you can improve. 

The Importance of the Athlete-Coach Relationship 

At the core of high-level coaching is the relationship between athlete and coach. Without a certain level of trust, nothing else is going to work. 

Athletes must trust their coach entirely and must trust that their coach has their best interests in mind. They must trust that the coach will always pull for the athlete to win and develop. Coaches must also trust that their athletes are committed, honest, and undoubtedly willing to improve every day. 

When trust is present, everything else falls into place. Communication improves, effort increases, and performance follows suit. When trust is absent, you start to see a lack of effort, frustration, and a disconnect. 

The best coaches that I have been around make an effort to build relationships with their athletes. They learn every detail about their athletes beyond the sport itself. They understand each athlete's personality, motivation, and challenges. This does not mean that they lower standards, but that they know how to reach their abilities far more effectively. 

Translating High-Level Coaching to Youth Athletes 

One of the most interesting ideas that I have learned while coaching youth athletes is how to take high-level concepts and apply them to my younger athletes. You can't coach. a group of 10-13-year-olds, the exact same way you would coach a collegiate athlete, but the core principles remain unchanged. 

You can still have standards and expectations. You can still teach the principle of accountability. You can still create a highly competitive environment. The difference lies in how you deliver each of these concepts. 

For example, instead of running drills repeatedly, I try to make practices similar to real-game situations. This helps athletes to better understand the true purpose behind what they are doing. It also keeps them far more engaged. 

Confidence is also a major factor at the youth level. If the fear of making a mistake constantly burdens athletes, they will not see any improvement. So, although it is vital to correct errors, it is just as important to encourage both effort and progress. 

Creating a balance between challenge and support is crucial. You want athletes to feel as though they are being pushed to their limits, but at the same time not feel overwhelmed. This balance is what leads to the athlete's long-term development. 

What Separates Great Coaches from Average Coaches

After being exposed to both sides (being coached and coaching), I believe that there are a few true qualities that separate the truly great coaches from the average. 

First is consistency. The greatest coaches will maintain their standards no matter the situation. They do not lower their expectations when a situation becomes difficult. 

Second, clarity. Athletes must always know what is expected of them during a situation. Confusion often leads to mistakes and can also lead to the athlete feeling frustrated. 

Third, Adaptability. No athlete learns the exact same way as another; as a result, coaches must be able to pivot in their approach. 

Fourth is accountability. Everyone is held to the exact same standard, regardless of their experience or abilities. 

Finally, communication. Feedback must be clear, specific, and, most importantly, constructive. 

These five qualities may sound relatively simple, but applying them constantly is what truly makes coaching at a high level so incredibly difficult. 

Final Thoughts 

Coaching or being a coach at a high level is difficult, but that difficulty is what makes it truly valuable. It pushes you to grow not just as an athlete, but as a person as well. 

In my own experiences, I have learned that high-level environments are built on much more than talent alone. They are built on standards, relationships, constant communication, and a great willingness to be comfortable when being uncomfortable. 

When it comes down to it, high-level coaching is about development. It is about helping athletes reach their full potential, which also teaches them lessons that will reach beyond the game itself, such as discipline, resilience, and accountability. 

These lessons are the ones that will stick with you long after the game has passed you by. 

"Attitude reflects leadership, captain" - Remember the Titans (2000)