Have you ever scrolled through coaching videos online, noticing how each session seems perfectly executed? It often appears as though every player performs flawlessly under the watchful eye of their coach. But here’s the real scoop: coaching isn’t always a smooth ride, and it’s time we talk about it.

In a recent video I shared on my YouTube channel, viewers got a glimpse of what happens when things don’t go according to plan. The lesson was designed to enhance a player’s tactical understanding of when to change direction in play and how to effectively use height to their advantage. However, the reality was that the drills didn’t run as smoothly as intended, and the player faced more challenges than anticipated.

This isn’t an anomaly; it’s a normal part of coaching. Social media tends to showcase the highlights, the quick fixes, and the success stories, giving a skewed perception of the day-to-day reality of sports coaching. The truth is, every coach knows that not every drill works out, not every session brings immediate improvement, and not every coaching strategy is met with instant comprehension by athletes.

These less-than-perfect moments are incredibly valuable. They push coaches to adapt their strategies, rethink their approach, and genuinely engage with the learning process alongside their players. It is through these challenges that both the player and coach can experience significant growth.

For coaches, adapting on the fly is crucial. If a planned drill isn’t meeting the intended goals, it might be necessary to modify the approach or even pivot to a different tactic entirely. This flexibility is not just about salvaging a session but about truly catering to the developmental needs of the athlete.

It’s also vital for coaches to embrace and share these real, unpolished moments. Doing so can help set realistic expectations for both players and their parents and foster a coaching community that values transparency and continuous learning over perfection. By sharing the full spectrum of coaching experiences—including those that are less than perfect—we can encourage a healthier, more realistic understanding of sports training.

I encourage you to watch the full lesson video below . 

It showcases not just a coach and a player working through the unpredictabilities of training but highlights the genuine progress that comes from perseverance, adaptability, and mutual effort. This is where real learning and development happen, far away from the highlight reels of social media.

By shedding light on the realities of coaching, I hope to inspire a shift towards more authentic and effective coaching practices that recognize the value of every part of the learning journey, bumps and all. Join me in embracing these real coaching moments and see how they can transform the way we think about sports training and development.