Coaching in an ongoing pandemic
Our world has been through a year of unknowns and changes with the COVID-19 pandemic. In sports, coaches became important key figures in dealing with these many changes. They were forced to think about their approach, and for some, the lockdown allowed them to adjust it.
“The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not turbulence - it is to act with yesterday’s logic”
Maintaining the connection with athletes became more central in a period when more people were asked to keep a physical distance. Being physically or online remotely connected is essential in this period of uncertainty about when we can return to their teams and sports. As humans we are social beings and our brains are programmed to want to connect with others. When we feel excluded or alone, the same regions are activated when we feel physical pain.
Uncertainty is another aspect that puts our brains in a state of threat. Coaches best bring perspective to athletes by focusing on the "now" and the "controllable" aspects in the development process. Those who adopt a positive mindset will experience creativity to act in a solution-oriented way within the imposed measures and will be ready when matches and training can be resumed at the club.
Another important trend that can be observed is that the stigma about mental health in sports is reduced. Athletes are more open about their stress, anxiety, and concerns towards their coaches or team members. At the same time coaches, clubs and federations also pay more attention to it. People listen more from a holistic view to connect with athletes. As a result, the quick and judgmental character disappears from a one-sided viewpoint.
