Holistic Athlete Weekly Newsletter

Gen Z - Doubled-Edged Swords

Yes, there are challenges to coaching the “Gen Z” athlete. No, coaches being at a loss for how to coach “kids these days” is not a new phenomenon. Throughout history, generations of adults have looked at a new generation of kids with dismay and disconnect, unsure about the language they use, and they’ve reminisced about the days where things were tougher and simpler.

A couple of years ago I spoke at a coaches clinic in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania where Nick Saban was the keynote speaker. The format was largely a Q&A with the audience. I asked Coach Saban if it’s been difficult for him to adjust to a new landscape of coaching that centers on mental health and well-being, and the challenges this generation of athletes brings. Without hesitation, he responded, “If I was coaching the same defensive scheme now as I was in 1985, I would lose every game.”

“To improve is to change; to perfect is to change often.”

Last weekend I spoke at a coaches clinic in Connecticut about methods and strategies for coaching the Gen-Z athlete. Part of the presentation was acknowledging the “double-edged swords” (the pros and cons) of this generation. Examples:

1. Positive: Exposure to a wide range of information and perspectives, which means they are more educated about a variety of topics than previous generations, and have the access to learn quickly

1. Downside: Oversaturation and misinformation

2. Positive: Strong technological skills which leads to better efficiency and productivity

2. Downside: Lack of applied skills, less mindfulness and presence in the real world.

3. Positive: A desire to know “why” and associate feedback and instruction with goals and values. This pushes you to be a better coach by needing thoughtful reasons for your decisions, and could be an opportunity to connect with your athletes by attaching your strategy to their desired goals

3. Downside: Less compliant and trusting, could be seen as disrespectful

4. Positive: Good visual learners

4. Downside: Poor listeners

Gen Z - Challenges

This generation doesn’t come without its challenges, as we know. Here are two examples of problem-solving for how we can plan for these issues and execute solutions.

Significant levels of insecurity and self-consciousness

Avoid embarrassing your athletes. Their top priority is often their image, social standing, and being in control of their social life. You can be direct with them, but if you embarrass them in front of their friends, you’ll lose them.

Short attention spans

Shorten meeting time / change the environment. If you have an hour long meeting planned, break it up into 15 or 30 minute segments. Don’t allow phones in meetings, but give them breaks to check their phones.

Holistic Athlete Services

If you haven’t done so already, sign up for the 11 module Coaches Education Course! Contact me for a discount code

Also if you haven’t already, please sign up for a Zoom call for you and your staff to discuss the specific needs of your team, to asses what services may benefit you, to review content from the course, and to discuss any challenges with athlete’s you’re experiencing.