As coaches and parents, we have all heard about Generation X, Y, and Z, and I am sure we have had many discussions on how different this generation is.
Some of us may say they are lazy, entitled, have no discipline, always ask questions, and the favorite one is soft.
Even though that may be true to a certain extent, it's important to understand that everything in life evolves and for the better.
Look at yourself, for example, the way you teach and raise your child is a lot different from the way your parents raised you. But one thing is for sure, the current generation of children and athletes are a lot smarter and learn much quicker than before
When I look back at myself as an athlete or when I started my coaching career, coaching was focused on what the coach tells - athletes to do.
How times have changed. Athletes, today want to know the WHY? Why are we doing this drill? Why do we have to warm up? Why can't we try this?
Don't take it as a form of challenge or disrespect. Athletes today want to understand the purpose and thinking behind your coaching. So take the time to explain your actions and decisions. Make them feel part of the process and allow engaging with you.
Athletes today don't like to be bored. There must be constant engagement with the coach and teammates. They want to participate and thrive in a culture of interaction, instead of a hierarchical culture.
Back in the day, Coaches were seen as the master of knowledge when it comes to training, planning, and competition. Today that information, we thought was for us, is available at a click of a button.
Technology and the internet have changed the way young athletes and children learn. As a coach, you must flex your technology. Use Ipads to provide instant visual feedback or pull up a youtube video of a new skill or drill performed by a famous athlete.
Kids are more visual learners than before.
I remember those coach's athlete meetings, where we would talk for 20 minutes harping on and on and on. I have made the mistake of talking too much in my coaching session and let me say it just gets me frustrated because they not executing the drill or skills correctly.
What I have come to realize, athletes today need information quickly. They don't want long explanations. "You gotta be in quickly and get out pretty quick". Keep your explanation to 3 keywords.
Now you may say that changing the way your coaching approach won't make them tough and resilient.
Remember sport has a beautiful way of teaching important life skills to athletes. That has not changed no matter the generation. All generations will have their pros and cons and I know it can be difficult but if you can find or think of a way to get your message across nothing is impossible.
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