Physical Preparation Podcast Archives - Robertson Training Systems

7 Thoughts on Coaching Young Athletes

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Feb 6, 2026

Practical strategies for connecting with each young athlete and tailoring how you communicate. Tips for discovering an authentic coaching style that blends empathy with technical skill. Ways to make kids more coachable and why effort and attitude often matter more than talent. Advice on controlling your energy to shape team culture and the importance of relentless, consistent coaching.

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ADVICE

Connect Outside The Gym

Ask athletes what they enjoy outside of sports to build rapport and trust.
Make the weight room so fun they want to keep training for life.

ADVICE

Individualize Your Communication

Adjust your communication style to each athlete; match cues to personality, not just ability.
Maintain the same expectations but tailor how you interact to get better buy-in.

INSIGHT

Own Your Coaching DNA

Identify and amplify your unique coaching style rather than copying others.
Blend soft skills (empathy, fun) with hard skills (programming, cues) for best results.

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If you train young athletes, this episode is for you!

Here I’m going to share 7 powerful insights from my 25 years of coaching young athletes.

Whether it’s customizing your communication, monitoring your energy, or practical strategies to motivate and connect with your young athletes, I know you’ll take something away from this podcast that will help you level up.

So without any further ado, let’s dive in!

Quotable Quotes:

Understanding each athlete’s unique character, interests, and mindset is crucial for effective coaching. Tailoring your approach enhances engagement and development

The goal is to make young athletes love the process of training so it becomes a lifelong habit, not just a chore. Transform the gym into their favorite place

A relentless focus on effort and attitude can compensate for talent gaps. Perseverance becomes the real differentiator in performance.

This Week on the Physical Prep Podcast:

How I’ve learned from ALL my various experiences in the fitness industry, and how they’ve all given me perspective
Why just like coaching cues, you have to individualize how you coach your athletes
The power of finding your own, unique aura and coaching-style to truly stand out
Are some kids more “coachable” than others? And if so, how do you connect with the ones who aren’t???
Why effort is such a critical piece of the puzzle, and why it carries over to every facet of life after sports
A question to ponder: Are you “that coach?”
Why you have to monitor and control YOUR energy as a coach
One thing you HAVE to do, for as long as you’re coaching!

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