In these uncertain times, it sometimes seems like all we can do as coaches is work reactively. We do the best we can to service our athletes at a distance – providing bodyweight training programs using online software, keeping them engaged with social media, conducting online training sessions via videoconferencing, etc. All the while we wait for state and federal officials to dictate the latest restrictions that while in the best interest of public health, make it increasingly challenging to serve our athletes. It’s a frustrating experience, and one that can leave coaches feeling a bit helpless.
Additionally with the rate of change forcing many coaches to adopt these unfamiliar coaching practices, many of us haven’t had the opportunity to think about the future. Even if schools, universities, and private facilities are allowed to open in the spring or summer, the lingering effects of the pandemic may at least temporarily change the way coaches function. As stewards of our athletes’ success we need to operate as if the COVID-19 pandemic will compromise our training efforts for the long haul, and adapt accordingly. We must hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.
That’s why we’ve created the Gopher Performance COVID-19 Contingency Plan For Strength Coaches. This series has three primary objectives:
- Provide resources to coaches looking for the most effective and pragmatic methods of remotely training their athletes.
- Give affordable, feasible options for getting legitimate equipment into the hands of athletes.
- Help coaches plan for the challenges they’ll face when returning to their facilities.
It is critical in times like these for our own well-being, and for the current and future preparedness of our athletes to work proactively. It may not seem like it, but there is A LOT that we can and should do right now to help our programs beyond providing bodyweight programs and biding our time until we can be with our athletes again.
Part I
6 Uncommon Training Ideas for Remote Athletes
Part II
3 Simple Steps to Get Equipment Into the Hands of Your Athletes
