Planning for the individual in a squad environment
Issue: Volume 28 Number 2
As coaches, we are very much in the ‘people business’. We have a wonderful opportunity to support and guide people in their self-discovery — both athletically and personally. Even though we have great resources, support teams, systems, sports science and technology to support us in our roles, if we do not do an excellent job of managing people as individuals, we will not optimise the achievements of the people for whom, and with whom, we are working.
In team sports, it is important to get the most out of the individual within the context of the entire team, so that the sum of the parts makes up a cohesive unit of individuals who are able to maximise their own potential and thus, that of the team.
It is very rare that an individual can excel in isolation, although some think they can. In my experience, even athletes in very individual sports need a team around them. Not only do they need support staff (coach, sports medicine, sport science, manager or other specialists), personal support (family and friends), but their performance is most often optimised when they have training partners to work off in a positive way.
A squad of athletes who are all positive and committed to maximising their performances can be guided to use each other to lift the collective standard of the group. In a team situation this must be managed so that individuals are not ‘lost’ in the team and are allowed to develop their unique combination of skills for the good of the team. In a squad of individual sport athletes, the fact that they ultimately may be racing each other must be respected, but the benefit to each individual to push each other all to a higher standard must be emphasised.
Athletes by nature are selfish, and an effective coach is one who can gain the trust of each individual that the squad environment they create is of optimal benefit for the development of all.
Lessons from triathlon’s cultural change
Triathlon is a sport in which we have worked very hard over the past four years to overcome a culture of individuals trying to do it on their own (or, at least, a number of fragmented groups doing their own thing), independent of a national program focus or structure of support. Although we had individual successes in the sport, there was very little harmony or unity, and it is arguable that with the growth of the sport (Olympic status, rule changes, increasing globalism and competitiveness), Australia’s triathletes may have struggled to retain their high performances internationally unless we found a way to work together and support each other.
We now have a program in which, at the elite level (and filtering down to junior squad programs), we bring the athletes and their coaches together in squad environments and use the support of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and national team staff and structure. Athletes and coaches see the benefit of all coming together to optimise the development of the group as a whole and ultimately, of each individual. Even though the athletes still have their individual training needs and all definitely want to individually win the major titles, the feeling has become, ‘If I cannot win, I want another Australian to win’ (which is quite the antithesis to the culture pre-2000!). There is now a trust that the infrastructure is trying to support each athlete to be the best they can be, but also for the good of the sport as a whole.
Key factors in planning for the individual in the squad environment
Remember that each individual has their own needs
In every sport, each athlete brings their own combination of strengths and weaknesses (physical, psychological, skill, strength, tactical and other characteristics). As such, each athlete will have at least subtly different training needs on a daily basis. How each athlete handles training, different physiological factors of performance, fatigue, recovery, nutrition, travel and competition demands — and personal issues — will determine how they need to be handled within the squad environment. Even the dynamics of the squad (for example, home, institute, national squads) need to be taken into consideration.
Ensure that the athletes completely trust that the squad’s head coach has their individual best interests at heart
There must be no doubt on the part of the athletes (or their personal coach) that the leader of the program is working to enhance the individual needs and interests of each athlete. There must be no bias or favouritism. The head coach must work to optimise the performance of each individual so that each, and the squad as a group, has the best chance for success.
Fully involve the individual coaches in the squad environment
In national or institute programs, consideration often needs to be given to supporting and involving (where appropriate) the individual or ‘home’ coaches of athletes. The program needs to offer these coaches opportunities to develop their own skills as well. If they can see the benefit for both themselves and their athlete, then the team concept and squad environment will work best. This can be a big challenge if it is not an established culture in a sport. The coaches may be unwilling to give up any control of their athletes or to share information. It is important to support them and give them some ownership, so they realise that by being a part of the environment created, not only do they athletes get exposure to more ideas, support and stimulus, but the coaches do, too — and they all grow and learn together, with the result that the standard of both athlete and coach performance is raised.
Offer support for sessions both as a group and as individuals
Plan training that caters for the needs of the group as a whole, but also allows for individual requirements. In triathlon camps, an overall weekly training template is set each week, but athletes are supported to use it to suit their individual needs. If an athlete needs to do different training from the group, this is supported. Whether the athlete is a junior on their first world championship team or is an experienced elite, they need reinforcement that what they need to do is the right thing for them. Allowing individual athletes to retain confidence in their own coach and program within the group environment is essential.
Stimulate positive competitiveness
Previously in triathlon the culture was very competitive and all about beating each other (athlete versus athlete, coach versus coach, squad versus squad). Now, with a culture of athletes coming together from different home squads into state institutes and academies of sport, AIS and national squads, athletes (and coaches!) are team-mates and friends. Competitiveness is stimulated as a positive thing. Coaches combine and work together if their athletes need a similar session, allowing athletes push each other so that all improve. Similarly, the athletes use each other to work on skills and tactics so that all improve. On race day, tactical awareness is heightened by the fact that athletes know each other and they become aware of opportunities for both themselves and their team-mates.
Set parameters for group harmony
As in any team or squad environment, there must be parameters to ensure group harmony. If everyone completely did their own thing there would be chaos, so parameters must be set with the understanding that it is for the good of all.
Continue to remain open minded and ready to adapt to changing needs and individual situations
Team leaders must always be willing to adapt and revise in order to make things better for all. It is much easier to manage a group when everyone is doing the same thing, but the reality in triathlon is that this is rarely the case. Managing individuals within a squad environment will throw up unique challenges, and adapting to handle competitive, driven individuals (both athletes and coaches) sometimes calls for unique solutions.
Listen to the needs of the group
It is essential to listen to the feedback and needs of the group. Everyone should feel comfortable that they will have their needs heard and that constructive criticism is welcomed. The athletes, coaches and staff must all contribute and have some ownership within the team. Ultimately, the head coach is the leader and must set direction, but they must do that with consideration of the needs of the individuals and the overall team.
