Helping Your Athlete Become Coachable: A Skill That Lasts a Lifetime

When people think about gymnastics, they often focus on strength, flexibility, and skill progression. But one of the most important qualities a young athlete can develop isn’t physical at all — it’s being coachable.

At Jana’s Gymnastics in Plymouth, IN, we believe being coachable is a life skill that helps children grow not just in the gym, but in school, sports, and everyday life.

What Does It Mean to Be Coachable?

Being coachable means a child is willing to:

• Listen to instruction

• Try corrections

• Stay positive when something feels hard

• Keep working to improve

  
  

It doesn’t mean they have to be perfect. It simply means they’re open to learning.

And like any other skill, being coachable can be taught and encouraged.

Why Coachability Matters in Gymnastics

Gymnastics is built on small adjustments and steady progress. When athletes learn to accept guidance and apply corrections, they gain skills more safely and confidently.

Coachable athletes often:

• Improve more consistently

• Build stronger relationships with coaches

• Develop patience and resilience

• Feel proud of their progress

  
  

This mindset helps children feel successful, even when skills take time to learn.

How Parents Can Support Coachability at Home

Parents play a big role in helping children become open to learning. A few simple habits can make a big difference:

Encourage effort over perfection

Praise trying, practicing, and sticking with something — not just the final result.

Let coaches lead

Trust the coaching process. When kids see parents and coaches working as a team, they feel more confident listening and learning.

Use positive language

Instead of asking, “Did you get it today?” try asking, “What did you work on today?”

Normalize mistakes

Remind your child that learning new skills takes time and that every athlete struggles sometimes.

Confidence and Coachability Go Hand in Hand

Children who feel supported are more willing to try, listen, and grow. When kids know it’s safe to make mistakes, they become more open to feedback and new challenges.

At Jana’s Gymnastics, we focus on building confidence first. From there, coachability grows naturally.

A Skill That Goes Beyond the Gym

Being coachable helps children in many areas of life. It teaches them how to:

• Accept guidance from teachers

• Work as part of a team

• Handle challenges with a positive attitude

• Keep improving over time

These are skills that last far beyond gymnastics.

At Jana’s, we’re proud to help young athletes grow into confident, respectful learners who are ready to take on new challenges — in the gym and beyond.