It’s true what they say about being able to do anything you want as long as you set your mind to it. Sometimes, however, “setting your mind to it” means to admit that you could use some extra help. In the case of being a parent, particularly one to a youth athlete, it’s important to consider the long term benefits of hiring a private coach before jumping in.
Is it going to be worth it? How long does your kid plan to play this sport? How is their mentality holding up when they struggle in competition? Do they have a real passion for the game, or are they just out there for fun? Each of these questions are fair, and totally normal for a parent to ask when considering a private coach for their youth athlete. Let’s talk through a couple of them to make sure that private coaching is right for your kid.
Is paying for a private coach going to be worth it?
This is the toughest question to answer, and it carries a good bit of subjectivity. When you ask yourself, “is it worth the cost?” it’s important to consider what exactly you are paying for. On one hand, if your child is competitive, has abundant passion for their game, and persistently shows a desire to practice, then the cost of private coaching will be going towards helping them further form their goals. If your child is lukewarm towards sports—maybe they just like to play with their friends, for example—then you’ve got more to weigh out. Helping them improve their game may be a benefit, as they can play better and have more fun, but it could also lead to a quicker burn out.
Have a conversation with your child about their feelings toward the game they play, how far they want to take it, and what they are willing to do in order to continue playing. If they love the game, but really just aren’t very good at it, this conversation will mean even more. Proving that you share an interest in their success, and are willing to take steps—like hiring a private coach—to help them improve will mean the world to them.
How an athlete’s mentality affects private coaching
Once more, considering how dedicated to their game your athlete is will help you navigate this point. If your child is ultra competitive and gets frustrated, sad, or angry when they fail, then a private coach may be the perfect solution. Private coaching is so much more than just extra practice. Finding a coach who can work with your athlete in developing their mentality can be a real game changer for their future.
If they are angry about their failures for other reasons, or if they appear to be indifferent, it is important that you learn more about how they feel prior to hiring a private coach. If they have a lack of care for the game or if they aren’t enjoying themselves at all, it may be best to consider helping them find something new to try. Whether it be a different sport next season, or a new hobby outside of sports altogether, you can possibly avoid the cost of a private coach by by identifying your child’s interest level in their sport.
If you’ve found yourself wondering if the cost of private coaching is worth it, or if hiring a private coach is right for your kid, the first thing you should do is talk to them. Establish a strong understanding of their mentality towards the sport they play and you will be suited to make a decision.
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