"I am looking for a trainer, can you take on my kid.?" This is a question that I am frequently asked, and it's more of a direct question positioned at me and my availability. It's a simple standard unsolicited text or email I get weekly from parents, "can you and will start training my child." Now, if you are in my circle or know me directly, you will know that my schedule is one of my biggest challenges. I have a waiting list months out, and I have always struggled with making myself more accessible to as many families as possible, but to no avail; I still can't find enough time to reach them all. Yet, on the other hand, my approach doesn't permit me to just blanket teach. My methods are a catch-22. I approach training and development so differently than most that my retention rate is almost close to 100 percent. The only time a spot opens up is if my players fly home, players graduate, and move on, or logistically it's just too challenging for a while. So, why do I field or entertain inquiries from potential clients if I am so slammed? My compass has always been helping families first and foremost, and I can tell you firsthand from over 20 years of coaching and training experience that almost all families need help in myriad ways other than physically improving their athlete's skill sets. Many parents and players need a guide to help them learn to ask the right questions, know how to seek out the right help, and lay out a plan before they get down the rabbit hole of throwing money at something in the hopes they see a return.
Set Short Term Goals
You must identify what you and your athlete hope to see gained over four weeks. Some simple goals are to set a daily routine to practice what is being learned—set timetables and expectations that are obtainable, and be pragmatic. I can't tell you how many times I see players set up for failure because the expectation is unrealistic in the beginning. Your athlete is learning something new and simultaneously trying to balance and organize the other parts of their life. Have a specific skill set you want to improve upon first.
Set Expectations with Your Athlete
Set realistic expectations and standards. If you wish your athlete to get outside and start pouring in 2 hours a day, seven days a week, you will surely be disappointed. You, as a parent, are doing your job by transporting and paying for a service; it is only fair to clearly define to your athlete what you expect from them if you both are going to jump into supplemental training. The goal is to help them create momentum and daily habits which turn the process into magic
Identify Your Resources.
Time and money are the two resources that are frivolously thrown about in the pursuit of skill development. Sit down and have an honest conversation about what you can afford, what you are willing to pay, and how long you will stick with this cost and time commitment. Have a conversation with your athlete about it as well. Don't go broke financially chasing something you aren't sure will offer a return.
What to Look for in a Trainer.
All trainers are not created equal. Some great ones are out there, but they are hard to find. Typically the better the trainer, the less available they will have or the higher the cost they will require. Experience is critical when searching for a trainer. Your trainer can be someone other than an NBA veteran or past all-American to help improve your athlete's skill set. Some of the highest-demand trainers were just solid players who had to outwork and outthink their competition. Consider going to watch a session or two if possible. Recommendations are always an easy way to narrow down a search.
A good trainer is a teacher at heart. The best trainers have a plan and understand the scale from youth to high school and beyond. They will build your athlete from the ground up and hyper-focus on substance and function, not flash. They are patient and understand how to differentiate their teaching modalities. Watch your interactions between your athlete and trainer; a good trainer can push your child and still have them walk away smiling and wanting to return. A good trainer is going to be organized and communicate. They are going to value your time and efforts. A good trainer will have lesson plans and share with you what the process will entail and how it unfolds. A good trainer is consumed with helping your athlete outwork and outgrow their own highest potential. A good trainer is going to help them instill confidence and courage. They will be open and honest because the only authentic way to grow is through the truth.
Bear Traps to Avoid.
Don't get caught up in social media and the comparison game: Marketing is a powerful succubus in the modern world. Social Media can and does fool MILLIONS DAILY. Edits and angles are excellent tools that can fool anyone. There are amazing trainers out there that are not marketers, and they either are terrible with their social media or instead pour into their craft than their marketing game.
Whom you surround your child with: This is a person who will intentionally or unintentionally have an impact on your athlete. People tell us who they are, but we don't always listen. Do homework, look at potential trainers' social media pages, see whom they follow, and pay attention to what they post. If you don't get good vibes, seek someone else out. Take your time, and don't be hasty with whom you place your children. You are putting your most prized possession in front of a stranger, and your athlete deserves to be led well by good people.
"Trusting the Process": Results and measurables matter. Yes, skill development takes time, but there are also benchmarks you should be able to observe and data to prove the time and money are being used wisely. Don't allow yourself to let "Trust the Process" become a mantra to sideline your questions or curiosity, and don't allow it to hinder your desire to say something if you feel comfortable.
Being silent: Don't be afraid to ask questions; remember, you are a consumer, and you are paying for a service. Encourage your athlete to ask questions well.
Comments