Athletes in Action for coaches
Hey, Coach.
You shape more than athletes. We’re here to help you do it well.
Practical tools for building character, culture and leaders on your team, plus a community of coaches who get it.
You're not alone
Coaching today asks more of you than ever.
Coaches across the country say they want help with far more than X’s and O’s.
70%want more training on building relationships with athletes
70%want help with athletes’ performance anxiety
18%feel highly confident connecting athletes to mental health support
Source: Aspen Institute, National Coach Survey, State of Play 2022
The Coach's Toolkit
Practical help you can use at practice tomorrow.
Simple ideas from AIA’s coaching resources. Tap a topic to open it, then go deeper with the full article.
1. Know, affirm and challenge your athletes
Get to know them
- Ask: “What do you want me to know right now?”
- Ask: “I noticed ___. What’s holding you back?”
- Ask: “How can I help?”
- Show up for something they care about outside sport.
Affirm them
- “I’m glad you’re here today.”
- “I am for you.”
- “You matter to this team.”
- “You are more than capable.”
Challenge them
- After a missed play, encourage them to get the next one.
- Your only competition is you. Be the best athlete you can be.
- Have your team set daily personal goals and build ways to track progress.
- Simulate high-stress game moments to prepare them.
2. Be a servant coach
Seven habits
- Pray for your athletes.
- Check in with them.
- Affirm them.
- Coach them.
- Let them know their value doesn’t depend on their performance.
- Advocate for campus ministries and the local church.
- Walk the talk.
3. Build a tough team
Five keys
- Be humble and put others first.
- Create hope for the team.
- Establish accountability and discipline.
- Be physically fit.
- Build meaningful relationships.
4. Grow your team leaders
Five habits to teach your captains
- Start with action.
- Build on your strengths.
- Stand firm in the faith.
- Practice for adversity.
- Encourage and empower others.
From AIA
5 Important Habits for the Christian Team Leader
Read the full article →Send your captains to Captains Academy →5. Lead through the pressure you face
Three ways to lead with courage
- Decide who you are ahead of time.
- Have the courage to live out your convictions.
- Submit to a higher purpose.
6. Develop the total athlete: body, mind and spirit
Care for and develop your athletes physically, mentally and spiritually.
Physically
- Pour into strength and conditioning.
- Partner with your strength coaches and athletic trainers to build healthy, durable athletes.
Mentally
- Lean into the mental health offerings your school or organization provides, like counseling and sports psychology.
- Break the silence. Talk about mental health with your team.
- Remind athletes they’re not alone, and they don’t have to perform for approval.
- If someone is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Spiritually
- Develop them spiritually, not just as players.
- Use the five AIA Principles with your team or a small group.
- Connect interested athletes with AIA staff on your campus for Bible study.
From AIA
AIA’s total athlete approach, with The Invisible Opponent and Competing Under Pressure
4 Areas of a Well-Rounded Athlete →Read The Invisible Opponent →Share Competing Under Pressure →Watch the AIA Principles →7. Be an Audience of One coach
What it means
- Prioritize God’s presence, and don’t try to manipulate it.
- Prioritize biblical values.
- Being a coach is not your primary identity.
- Bring your identity to the game. Don’t take it from the game.
- Coach the total athlete.
Grow in prayer
- Create a prayer journal.
- List the times God has answered your prayers.
- Set up a regular time of prayer.
From AIA
What is an Audience of One Coach? and The Power of a Praying Coach
What is an Audience of One Coach? →The Power of a Praying Coach →Watch the AIA Principles →For your team
Grow your athletes on and off the field.
Retreats
College Team Retreats
Interactive talks and activities on leadership, communication, trust and accountability.
Women
Women's Leadership Retreat
For female college athletes who want to grow as leaders.
Faith
The AIA Principles
Five big questions every athlete faces, answered from the Bible, on video.
For you
You need coaching too.
It can be lonely as a coach, juggling so many pressures and responsibilities. Connect with a community of coaches and proven principles of leadership.
Retreat
HBCU Coaches Retreat
Personal, professional and spiritual growth for coaches at HBCU institutions.
By invitation
International Coaches Academy
Two weeks of coaching instruction, leadership development and cultural experience.
Trips
Coach a team overseas
Lead an AIA team that competes, serves and shares the gospel internationally.
Host an event
Bring your team to the AIA Sports Complex.
Host a practice, tournament, team retreat or event on our 250-acre campus in Xenia, Ohio, home of the John Wooden Family Fieldhouse, turf fields, a sports performance center, dorms, a banquet hall and a ropes course.
AIA staff are here for you.
Coaching on a college campus? AIA staff members are here for you, to help you grow personally and to help develop your athletes.
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