New Season, New Opportunities: Coaching Considerations to Begin a Successful Climbing Season
By Dr. Anna Enright, DNP, PCNS-BC
As a new season begins, coaches play a pivotal role in shaping the development and experiences of their athletes. The transition into a fresh competition year is a perfect time to consider what practices can foster a healthy, engaging, and successful season for both individual climbers and the team.
Below you will find some of the essential skills to incorporate in your planning to support, challenge and motivate your athletes. Goal setting, skill development, and individualized training plans are necessary skills most coaches focus on, but just as important are factors which build psychological safety and promote a safe and healthy environment.
Consider the following:
1. Foster a Positive Team Culture
Creating a positive team culture is essential for athlete engagement. It is up to coaches to promote an environment where athletes feel safe, supported, and valued. This can be achieved through team-building activities, open communication, and a focus on mutual respect. Encouraging athletes to support one another can strengthen team bonds and enhance overall performance. Read more in our article, "Redefining Sports Culture".
2. Promote Inclusivity and Diversity
Inclusivity and diversity within the team can enrich the climbing experience for all athletes. It is important for coaches to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, regardless of their background or skill level. This can involve promoting awareness of different climbing styles, cultures, and experiences. Encouraging diverse perspectives can lead to innovative approaches to training and competition.
3. Focus on Physical AND Psychological Safety
Maintaining safety is a top priority in climbing. As the new year begins, it’s important for coaches to review safety protocols and ensure that all coaches and athletes are familiar with them. This includes proper belaying techniques and equipment checks AND maintaining safe boundaries and informing athletes of who to talk to if one feels uncomfortable or unsafe. Psychological safety within the team is a must if a coach is to develop a successful team. Read more in our article, "Promoting Safety in Sport".
4. Incorporate Feedback Mechanisms
Feedback is a powerful tool for growth and development. Establishing regular check-ins with athletes to discuss their progress, challenges, and goals throughout the season will help athletes stay on track. This open dialogue will also help athletes feel heard and valued, and it provides an opportunity for coaches to offer constructive feedback. It is equally important for coaches to seek feedback from athletes about the training process, allowing for continuous improvement.
5. Engage Parents and Guardians
Parental involvement can significantly impact an athlete's experience in youth sports. Developing a protocol which supports regular communication with parents, keeping them informed about training schedules, competition details, and team goals is an important aspect of program building. Coaches can provide resources for parents on how to best support their young climbers. Read more in our downloadable packet, "For Parents: Supporting Your Climber".
6. Encourage Mental Preparation
Mental preparation is a crucial aspect of climbing that is often overlooked. Coaches can introduce athletes to mental training techniques such as visualization, mindfulness, and emotional regulation strategies. Teaching climbers how to manage anxiety and maintain focus during competitions can significantly enhance their performance. Regular discussions about mental challenges and strategies can help normalize these experiences and provide athletes with tools to cope. Read more in our article, "Breath Awareness".
7. Prepare for Competitions
Ensuring athletes are well prepared both physically and mentally is key as competition dates approach. Some strategies to help teams get ready include organizing mock competitions, providing guidance on competition strategies, and discussing the importance of sportsmanship. Coaches also need to prepare athletes for the emotional aspects of competition, helping them understand that both wins and losses are valuable learning experiences. Learn more by downloading "Facing the Hidden Crux: A Guide to Mental Preparation for Competition Youth Climbers".
8. Emphasize Rest and Recovery
A training schedule which incorporates rest and recovery strategies will increase athlete engagement and prevent burnout. Rest and recovery also plays a big role in injury prevention. Being sidelined by an injury can have a big impact on an athlete’s psychological well being. Incorporating rest and recovery in training is an important protective strategy. Read more in our articles, "The Hidden Crux of Sports Injuries: Emotional Impact and Recovery," and "The Mental Wellness Toolkit".
9. Celebrate Achievements
Recognizing and celebrating achievements, both big and small, can boost morale and motivation among athletes. By taking the time to acknowledge individual and team successes throughout the season coaches will keep athletes motivated and working hard. This can be as simple as verbal recognition during practice or more formal celebrations after competitions. Celebrating achievements (from showing up and doing the best to winning) fosters a positive atmosphere and reinforces the idea that hard work and dedication are rewarded.
10. Reflect and Adjust
At the end of each competition, each season, and several times throughout the year, it’s important to take time to reflect on progress and adjust as needed. This includes evaluating what worked well, what challenges are coming up, and how the individual/team are doing. Gathering feedback from athletes and parents can provide valuable insights into the coaching process. Coaches can use this reflection to make the changes required to ensure continuous improvement and growth.
Getting ready for the coming season by incorporating these positive coaching practices will set the team and athletes' up for success. When coaches establish clear goals, foster a positive team culture, focus on skill development, and prioritize mental preparation, they create an environment that nurtures growth and engagement.
Ultimately, the role of a coach extends beyond simply teaching climbing techniques; it involves mentoring, supporting, and inspiring young climbers to reach their full potential. By keeping these considerations in mind, coaches can set the stage for a rewarding and successful climbing season.
Please check out the Hidden Crux Blog! Here you will find evidence-based information and skills that support coaches and athletes! We’ve outlined relevant articles below.
Also, check out the Hidden Crux Shop for free handouts for your teams on sleep, pre-performance routines, eating disorders, and more.
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Diet Culture in Sports: A Registered Dietitians Perspective
Building Confidence and Self-belief in our Abilities to Perform
Mental Skills Training in Youth Competition Climbing: Filling the Gap in Research and Practice
