TO help young athletes achieve their potential, sports organizations must develop a “coaching mindset,” said Jerry Diaz, a National Academy of Sports Medicine certified personal trainer.
Former CNMI basketball coach Rufino Aguon stays active by fishing.
A coaching mindset involves the creation of a strong relationship with the athletes.
As they say, sometimes a player is only as good as his or her coach. For their part, young athletes must to learn how to respond well to their coaches.
Diaz said a coaching mindset builds relationships through, among other things, regular one-on-one check-ins.
The coach must find areas of common interest through numerous positive interactions over time, he added.
Moreover, the coach must focus on the growth, development and improvement of the athlete.
“A coach must display patience, kindness, and a supportive attitude,” Diaz said.
He knows first-hand what it means to have an effective coach as he once played for the CNMI national basketball team.
“It’s important to have a coach who can help an athlete prepare for and play the game with a positive attitude and mindset,” Diaz said.
“Today, as an educator of middle school students, a certified personal trainer at Gold’s Gym, and a strength and conditioning coach, I am honored to share my background and experience with the youth so they can enjoy and learn from every moment of their journey,” Diaz said.
As a coach and trainer, he said he highlights the importance of preparation and the need to trust the process.
He also reminds his clients about the need to be patient and consistent while visualizing the end result which will help make their fitness dreams a reality.
As for the future of CNMI sports, he said it lies in the youth. “There are so many talented and well-skilled young athletes in the CNMI who are willing to showcase their talents — we need coaches who can help them grow as athletes,” Diaz said.
For professional fitness nutrition inquiries, contact Jerry Diaz through Instagram at @BBJ_Athletics or Facebook.
