5 Tips from Mijnders

[Martin]

Mijnders, who coached the Men's Eight to Olympic gold in Atlanta has these tips:

1. Focus athletes on their on responsibility, motivation has to come from within.
2. Set the major structure, athletes may discuss those. The rol of the coach requires a certain distance to the group. Put the athlete in the centre.
3. Try to be easy approachable, but do not always tell what you think. Bear in mind there will subcultures.
4. Use an assistant coach, very important.
5. The selection can also be based on gut feeling.

(Based on the NLCoach magazine, issue 6, 2007)