3 Power Words of Coaching

Do you remember a coach who would say a certain phrase or word that completely symbolized everything about them?  It might have been positive or negative but each coach has distinct phrases or words that either ignited your brain or turned it off.

I recently have been mindful of some power words that positively engage athletes when training.  If you don't already use them, please give them a try.  If you already do, pay very close attention to your athlete's eyes and facial expression, it's quite amazing.

1.  "Own it." Gray Cook and the FMS team have been using this for years.  I have been using it more and more over the past year or two, and it has worked absolute wonders.  High school athletes want to skip over the basic stability exercises and go right for the big lifts.  When the basics become sloppy, especially position and posture, I add the phrase "own it," and watch how the brain becomes engaged.  It creates a sense of individualization for the athlete to work on an area of weakness.  The hardest part is not overusing the phrase so it keeps it's integrity.  To show how powerful it can be, yesterday an athlete reminded me of an exercise we did last week where she said, "I held this position and you told me to own it." 

2. "That's Beast."- It will usually follow when and athlete "owns it." I use this primarily with boys, although I will use with certain girls if I'm working in a 1-on1 setting.  It really struck a chord with me when watching Charlie Weingroff's DVD.  He had experienced trainers doing basic planks and push ups, but had them focus on areas that often compensate.  He forced them to own these positions and when they did, he complemented by saying "That's beast."  The next week I went back and started using this phrase sparingly when I wanted to compliment the basics, posture, positioning, technique, focusing on the details, etc.  The last time I would ever use "That's beast," is when a kid performs a PR in a big lift with poor technique.  Thanks Dr. Weingroff.

3.  "Battle."  Again primarily used with boys in a team setting.  I have the opportunity to go to our practices and be apart of coaching some drills.  Whenever there is a paired drill and it's competitive, I love to throw in phrases like "I want to see a battle."  It permeates a sense of respect for your opponent but also claims that "I am giving everything this next play, you better do the same." After the drill, I saw the players tired but when they finished a sign of respect by a pound or tap on the helmet.

The hardest part with these power words is not overusing them.  You will see how well it engages the brain and leads to improvement.

What are your power words?