The Right Trainer for Your Child

Selecting the right trainer for your child can be a challenging decision. Do you choose a coach based on credentials? Education? Word of Mouth? From my experience, you decided based on all of these things and more. When choosing someone that works as an independent trainer make sure you check there credentials before you even start the process of negotiation.

Is the coach certified?
One of the first criteria you should look for in an independent trainer is a certification in the field in which your child needs training. For example, a trainer with a USA Weightlifting certification is ideal when your child needs a few extra pounds via strength training, while a person certified through the Collegiate Coaches Strength and Conditioning Association has a broader certification to train elite athletes. There are tons of certifications out there; some require practical experience, while others are more textbook based.

Can the coach teach?
You should know that anyone with the required education and practical experience can receive certifications. The other key part of training athletes is pedagogy, the art of coaching teaching.

I know its seems strange to question validity of a coaches ability but you get what you pay for; you don’t know if you don’t ask or investigate. The best way to determine if a coach can teach your athlete what he needs to know is to have a trial session, paid or complementary depending on the coach’s policy. During this session ask questions, allow your child to train with the coach, and pay attention. Immediately after the session speak with your child to determine if he liked the way the coached trained and communicated while providing feedback on your likes, dislikes, and concerns. When you and your child reach a decision follow up with the coach to inform him of the decision.

These are the things you must do when shopping around for a supplemental way to train for your child. There about a thousand performance training facilities and programs out there which I would recommend anyone to try at least one. But on that same note there are just as many personal trainers pretending to be performance trainers when they have no clue about performance training at all.

Below are a few questions you should ask when selecting someone to train your child.

• What are your certifications?
• How long have you been certified?
  
• Have you ever trained for [name of sport] before?
  
• Are you CPR certified?
  
• How long have you been training athletes?
  
• Do you have any verifiable references or testimonials of athletes you’ve trained?
  
• Where do you train your athletes?
  
• What makes you different than other coaches?
  
• How will my child improve by training with you?

Women who do not have a background in or understanding of sports should be very leery when shopping for a trainer for your son or daughter. This industry can be just as cut throat as the automotive industry when marketing to women in that you may be taken advantage of for simply not knowing about sports. Make sure you research and take your time because the investment in sports, especially trainers, may positively or negatively impact your child’s athletic career.