The Essence of Being Coachable: An athlete's perspective

Growing up as a competitive athlete, I’ve learned that true progress springs not merely from talent, but from an unwavering commitment to being coachable. This mindset has been instilled in me from a young age, and cultivated through countless training sessions, competitions, and invaluable interactions with my coaches. Today, I want to share the essence of coachability and its profound impact on my journey as an athlete.

Listening Actively

From my first soccer practice at the age of 8 to my current endeavours on and off the pickleball court, being coachable has always meant one foundational thing: listening actively. In every session, I strive to absorb not just the instructions, but also the underlying insights that my coaches share. Understanding why a particular technique or strategy is recommended allows me to internalise it more effectively. It also helps to ask why when you are unsure of what the coach is saying. While some may feel that it might be disrespectful to question the coach, this demonstrates attentiveness and respect for the coach’s experience and knowledge, fostering a strong, reciprocal learning relationship.

Embracing Feedback

It wasn’t always easy to accept criticism, especially when I thought I was performing at my best. There were times when I lost my temper with well-meaning coaches, mentors and friends who had open and honest conversations about my areas of improvement. Some relationships were severed in the process but thankfully, true to their calling, some of them have stayed in the fight and continue to sharpen me as a person each day. Yet, embracing feedback has been one of the cornerstones of my development as constructive criticism transforms potential into excellence. A coach’s perspective can reveal blind spots, aspects of performance I might overlook. Over time, I’ve come to view feedback not as a judgment but as a gift meant to propel me forward. In experiencing this paradigm shift, I have found greater success in various aspects of my life not just for my gain, but for the betterment of those around me too.

Adaptability and Growth

Coachable athletes are adaptable. Sports constantly evolve, as do the techniques that bring success. Being open to new methods or changes in strategy is essential. Early in my pickleball career, my coach introduced an unfamiliar approach to my movement on the court. Instead of embracing it, I fought against it and stuck to my old habits while hoping for the best. The result? I realised that against the best players in the world, who had near-perfect techniques and footwork, there was no chance to beat them in matches. Every great thing requires patience and having a clear vision of the outcomes. Therefore, instead of resisting further, I chose to experiment with his methods. The result? I achieved and surpassed my goals faster than expected that season and managed to convincingly win matches that I could never win. This taught me that flexibility can lead to unexpected breakthroughs.

Building Trust and Team Dynamics

Coachability strengthens the bond between athlete and coach just as trust goes both ways. As I demonstrated my willingness to learn and adapt, my coaches more confidently entrusted me with greater responsibilities. This trust extends beyond individual relationships but concerns team dynamics. For every team to be successful, everyone has to be willing and able to move towards the same outcomes at the same pace. Hence, one's capacity to be coachable evolves as one unlocks new milestones. Regardless of how that turns out, it is imperative to hold space for a cohesive and secure environment for everyone, coach and athlete, to continuously learn and grow so that relationships within the team can be strengthened and equipped to handle difficult conversations and tackle situations.

Long-term Success and Life Skills

Being coachable doesn’t end at the pickleball court, track, or soccer field; it’s a life skill with far-reaching implications. The openness, resilience, and adaptability fostered through being coachable have aided me in academics, relationships, and personal growth. Coachability equates to a lifelong yearning for self-improvement—a trait that’s invaluable in every aspect of life. Being coachable means more than just following directions or listening to instructions; it’s about creating a mindset geared towards purposeful learning, growth, and resilience. No matter how seasoned an athlete becomes, the commitment to being coachable remains a vital component of sustained success. Embracing this mindset has not only shaped my career but has also enriched my journey as a person, preparing me for whatever challenges I encounter.

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