top of page
Writer's picturePheonix Drewell

Dealing with a Coach Who Expects Too Much: A Guide for Athletes




As an athlete, you know how important training and hard work are to your success. Your coach understands this too, which is why they may get upset when they feel you are not putting in the necessary time and effort. But what if you are struggling to find the motivation to train or feeling burned out? How can you work with your coach to achieve your goals while also taking care of your mental and physical health?


Communicate with Your Coach

Communication is key when it comes to addressing any issues with your coach. You may feel like they are being unreasonable or pushing you too hard, but they may not realise that you are struggling. Talk to your coach and let them know how you are feeling. Be honest and direct about your concerns, and listen to their perspective as well. This can help you both to find a solution that works for everyone.


Communication between coaches and athletes is crucial for building trust and creating a positive coaching environment. By keeping an open dialogue, you can work together towards achieving your goals.


Set Realistic Goals

One reason you may be feeling overwhelmed or burned out is that you are trying to do too much too soon. Setting realistic goals can help you stay motivated and focused on what you need to accomplish. According to a study published in the Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, setting specific, challenging, and achievable goals can lead to improved performance and increased motivation.

Talk to your coach about your goals and work together to develop a plan that is both challenging and achievable. This can help you stay motivated and focused while also avoiding burnout.


Prioritise Recovery and Rest

Training and hard work are essential for success, but so is rest and recovery. Adequate rest and recovery are crucial for reducing the risk of injury, improving performance, and promoting overall health and well-being.


Talk to your coach about the importance of rest and recovery and work together to develop a training plan that includes adequate time for recovery. This can help you avoid burnout and stay motivated to train and work hard.


Seek Support from Others

As an athlete, you may feel like you need to do everything on your own. However, seeking support from others can be a valuable way to stay motivated and avoid burnout. Social support from coaches, teammates, and family can lead to increased motivation and improved performance.


Talk to your coach about building a support network and seek out help from friends, family, and professionals if you are feeling overwhelmed or struggling to stay motivated.


In conclusion, as an athlete, you may feel like your coach is always pushing you to train and work hard. However, by communicating with your coach, setting realistic goals, prioritising rest and recovery, and seeking support from others, you can stay motivated and achieve your goals while also taking care of your mental and physical health. By working together with your coach and using these strategies, you can build a successful and sustainable training plan that works for you.

bottom of page