Athletic Trainers And Coaches: How To Get The Most Out Of Your Players

Oftentimes, you hear the phrase, “you need to get the most out of your players.” But what does that really mean and how do you actually accomplish it?

For an athletic trainer, coach or parent, getting the most out of your athletes means many different things. You want your players to perform to the best of their abilities; to reach great athletic heights; to play fearlessly, yet safely; to learn important skills and gain knowledge and experience personal growth and build confidence. Well, you have the ability to help them achieve those goals.

You play a highly important role in the development and performance of your players, as you provide guidance, instruction and expertise into their training, nutrition and recovery. So how do you use that mentorship to get the most out of your players?

Get To Know Your Players…

Simply knowing your players is a great way to get the most out of them.

As an athletic trainer, it’s important for you to know the athletes you serve inside and out. You are their go-to when it comes to exercise, ailments and injuries; and that means it’s important for you to develop a close rapport with them, as each player’s mind and body is different.

Being in touch with the wide variety of mental and physical states of your different athletes means you are ready for anything and that gives you the ability to keep them prepared and healthy. Some of your players may choose to push themselves endlessly, sometimes even through an injury, and they may need to be held back. Others may need more motivation to push them to the next level.

When you have an intimate knowledge of your players, you know when their bodies need to take a break, you know how to push them to new levels and you know how to ensure they perform at their peak abilities.

…By Bonding With Your Players

Of course, knowing your players is easier said than done — which is why forming a bond with your athletes is a necessity.

Again, besides major medical issues, the athletic trainer is the point person of health for the majority of players. And that requires a level of trust between athlete and athletic trainer; sometimes even more so than they have with their coaches.  

It’s integral for your players to know and trust that you have their best interest in mind when it comes to their health, while simultaneously understanding that they want to be on the field, court or ice no matter what and you are there to help them achieve that goal. That may sometimes be a difficult balancing act, but a shared bond means a mutual understanding and respect, which goes along way when it comes to tough decisions.

Building a bond with your athletes also helps you provide them with a strong outlet, as there are certain issues they may not want to discuss with their teammates or friends. Make sure you are there to lend a helping hand or supportive ear. This is a great way to help foster a relationship of trust between you and your players.

With a strong bond and personal knowledge of your players, when the time comes to make an important decision, they know they are able to trust your judgment.

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