Outpacing Your Coach: Is It Time for a Change?

It has finally happened. You’re finally faster than your Coach. Should you stick to what worked or is it time to move on? We got this interesting DM and found it to be a very interesting topic to talk about. Read on for the exchange!

Hi SBR!

Thank you for bringing back your events. But I’ve hit a surprising milestone in my training – I’m now faster than my coach. Medyo weird siya and a strange place to be; after all, he’s been my guide and mentor through everything. But as I stand at this crossroads, I can’t help but wonder: Should I be looking for a new coach?

Dear Swift Student,

First off, hats off to you! It’s a testament to your hard work and dedication, and surely, your coach is proud.

Becoming faster than your coach can feel like you’ve outgrown their tutelage, but speed isn’t the sole metric of a coach’s value. Remember, coaching is less about matching pace and more about unlocking potential. A coach offers strategy, mental fortitude, and an outside perspective that can see your blind spots, even if they aren’t leading the pack beside you.

However, growth is a vital part of any athlete’s journey. If you genuinely feel that you’ve absorbed all you can from your current coach and your goals have expanded beyond their expertise, then yes, seeking a new coach might be your next lap in the race of self-improvement.

Consider this:

1. Assess the Whole Picture: Has your performance improved? Are you enjoying your sport more? A coach’s impact isn’t measured by stopwatch alone.
2. Open a Dialogue: Talk to your coach. A good coach will understand your need to explore and may even recommend colleagues who can take you to the next level.
3. Set Clear Goals: Know what you’re looking for in your next coach. More advanced strategies? A fresh perspective? Define what you need to continue growing.
4. Trial Period: Before you make a switch, test the waters. Attend a few sessions with a potential new coach to see if their style aligns with your aspirations.
5. Gratitude: Whatever your decision, approach it with gratitude. Your coach has been a significant part of your journey. Celebrate that legacy as you look forward.

Should you opt for a change, navigate this shift thoughtfully:

1. Clarify Your Aims: What are you seeking in a new mentor? Is it specialized skills, a different approach, or fresh challenges?
2. Scout Thoughtfully: Look into potential mentors, their styles, philosophies, and achievements. If possible, trial a session to sense the fit.
3. Part with Respect: If you decide to move on, do so with thanks. Honor the role your current coach has had in your athletic life.

Deciding whether to find a new coach isn’t about who’s quicker; it’s about who can best assist you in reaching your objectives. It’s about finding someone who can refine not only your pace but also your resilience, strategy, and passion. Every coach brings something unique, and at times, finding the right match might mean exploring new coaching relationships.

Think of the Coaches of the best basketball players in the world. Phil Jackson for Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. Gregg Popovich of Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs. They are average basketball players in their playing years.

In the end, it’s about where you want to go and who can best help you get there. It’s not just about who’s the fastest—it’s about who helps you become your best.

Warm regards,

Your SBR.ph Family

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