Be a Lighthouse!

by Allie Wagener, Ph.D., LP

Creating a skating culture of strength and optimism begins with coaches. To foster this environment, focus on the following five key areas:

Be a Role Model (or Lighthouse!)
French philosopher and physician Albert Schweitzer explained, “Example isn’t the main thing in influencing others; it is the only thing.” The role a coach plays within an athlete’s life can be powerful beyond measure. Coaches have the opportunity to help guide their athletes toward success on and off the ice. A foundation of effective coaching is providing direction and being a stable beacon of support, just as a lighthouse provides light and guidance for ships to safely return to the shores.

Preparation
Coaches can create a space to help skaters develop a sense of who they and who they want to be. Allowing each skater to find and connect with their own passion for figure skating, as well as how they see themselves within the sport, is key. Discover your athlete’s “why.” What is their underlying purpose for participation in sport?

It can be easy to coddle and prevent negative consequences or failure for your athletes. However, equipping them with tools and strategies on how to handle adversity is far more beneficial for the development of self. Ask them, “How can I support you? What works best for you?” Adjust your teaching style to fit that of your athlete.

Growth
Cultivating and providing experiences on and off the ice for your skaters to grow and learn is at the forefront of effective coaching. Help them process experiences of failure and frustration. Concentrate on showing them hope despite the falls and the setbacks. Strive to connect and develop a relationship of trust and respect. Focus and refocus the attention of your practice to be on the process of learning. Help your athletes be lifelong learners and to see more than just the outcome. At times, it may feel like there is no progress being made but find the forward movement in their work. Celebrate work ethic and emphasize the wins, no matter how small they may seem. Excellence is built in moments, series of moments built over time. Understanding the importance of striving for excellence versus perfection can be a game changer for how athletes approach training and the outcome of a competition or testing session. Make peace with imperfection.

Risk
Approach each practice, competition and testing session as “skating to have success.” A mindset of having the opportunity for success versus the approach of skating to not make a mistake can shape the process and outcome of a competition. Allow the struggle while still maintaining the ability to risk going for the jump. Create a space that not only allows risk but also sharpens the strengths of your athlete. Remember, what gets rewarded, gets repeated. Spend time acknowledging and empowering your athlete to celebrate themselves and the development of skills.

Balance
Maintain a sense of joy and connection with your skater’s intrinsic (inherently pleasurable) motivation throughout their figure skating career as it can be essential at preserving dedication, drive and resiliency. Have a balance of focusing on process goals within your lessons, be creative with teaching elements and skills, encourage gratitude, and allow time to reset and reflect. Being mindful of when your skater may be burned out and need a break can be vital at sustaining a healthy and rewarding skating career.

Optimal mindset can be achieved and sustained throughout an athlete’s skating career. As a coach, you have the opportunity to be a part of something great. Remind yourself that you get to help leave an impact and to help those you work with achieve their ultimate potential. Following these five steps can be valuable to not only your skaters but also your overall career as a coach.

Allie Wagener is a licensed psychologist with a specialization in sport and performance psychology. She works at Premier Sport Psychology, PLLC, providing services to athletic teams and individuals, including figure skaters. For more information, please visit premiersportpsychology.com.