The Part No One Prepares You For
The first time you sign your child up for private coaching, there’s a mix of hope and uncertainty.
You’re thinking:
Will this actually help?
Will they feel comfortable?
What even happens in an hour-long session?
And if your child is already frustrated—or coming off a tough season—it matters even more.
Because the last thing you want is to spend money on something that feels awkward, confusing, or like a waste of time.
It’s Not What Most Parents Expect
A lot of parents picture private coaching like a mini practice.
A few drills. Some feedback. Maybe a good sweat.
But the best sessions don’t feel like that at all.
They feel intentional from the first minute.
A good coach isn’t just running drills—they’re watching closely. How your child moves. How they react to mistakes. Where they hesitate. What they avoid.
And then they adjust in real time.
One drill turns into three variations.
A small mistake becomes the entire focus of the session.
Something your child has “kind of struggled with” suddenly gets broken down in a way that finally clicks.
It’s not random.
It’s built around your child.
What Parents Get Wrong
A lot of families go into private coaching expecting instant, visible results.
More points. More playing time. Immediate confidence.
And when that doesn’t happen right away, it’s easy to wonder if it’s working.
But here’s what’s actually happening:
Progress in private coaching is often subtle at first.
It might look like:
- Your child hesitating less before making a move
- Their footwork being slightly cleaner
- A skill they used to avoid suddenly showing up in a game
Another common mistake? Standing on the sideline trying to evaluate every minute.
Watching closely isn’t the problem—but judging the session like it’s a performance can be.
The real value is in what your child is learning—not how impressive the workout looks.
How to Get the Most Out of It
If you want private coaching to actually make a difference, here’s how to approach it:
1. Give Your Child Ownership
Before the session, ask one simple question:
“What do you want to get better at?”
Not what the coach wants. Not what you think.
What they feel.
When kids have a say, they engage differently.
2. Don’t Interrupt the Session
It’s tempting to step in. Clarify. Add context.
Don’t.
Let the coach and your child build their own dynamic. That trust is where the real progress happens.
3. Look for One Takeaway
After the session, don’t ask:
“Was it good?”
Ask:
“What’s one thing you learned?”
If they can answer that clearly, the session worked.
4. Watch the Next Game—Not the Session
The impact of coaching shows up later.
In a game. In a decision. In a moment where your child does something they couldn’t do before.
That’s the measurement that matters.
Coaching That Feels Different
The best private coaching sessions don’t feel like extra work. They feel like clarity. They give your child answers. Confidence. Direction. And when it’s done right, you can see it—not always immediately, but unmistakably over time.
That’s the experience platforms like Athletes Untapped are built around—connecting families with coaches who don’t just run workouts, but actually understand how to teach, adapt, and meet athletes where they are.
Because when coaching is done right, your child doesn’t just leave tired. They leave different. They leave better.
