Picking Your Ride-or-Die Trainer: The 3 Types You Need to Know About

Finding the right trainer or workout specialist can be a game-changer for young athletes. Take Jake, a high school basketball player with dreams of making it to college. Jake's parents knew they needed the right trainer to guide him, but they quickly realized not all trainers are the same. As they navigated their options, they discovered three distinct types of trainers, each with unique approaches and priorities. Understanding these can make all the difference in your athlete’s journey.

The Invested Trainer

Invested trainers are the gold standard. They go beyond just the time spent in training sessions. They invest in your athlete’s success by finding ways to inspire, plan, and support outside of the scheduled sessions. For instance, Jake’s invested trainer would send him motivational texts, detailed workout plans, and even attended his games to provide feedback. This type of trainer becomes a mentor, showing genuine concern for the athlete’s overall development and well-being.

The Interested Trainer

Interested trainers deliver their best when they are with your athlete. They are skilled and passionate about their work, and they help your athlete improve during each session. When Jake trained with an interested trainer, he noticed significant improvements in his skills and confidence. However, this type of trainer's involvement typically ends when the session is over. While they are great during the time you have with them, their influence is limited to those hours.

The Industrialist Trainer

Industrialist trainers are primarily motivated by payment. Whether it’s cash, card, or check, their main focus is getting paid. They might run effective training sessions, but their commitment often doesn’t extend beyond the transactional aspect. Jake’s experience with an industrialist trainer was less fulfilling; he felt like just another client rather than a valued athlete with unique needs and potential.

Finding the Right Fit

At Beyond the Fast-Break, we aim to help parents and players navigate these challenges. We provide insights into making informed decisions about trainers and other aspects of an athlete's journey. Our Substack offers valuable advice and stories from real experiences, helping you find the right path for your young athlete.

Conclusion

Choosing the right trainer can significantly impact a young athlete’s development and success. By understanding the different types of trainers—invested, interested, and industrialist—you can make a more informed decision that aligns with your athlete’s goals and needs. Remember, an invested trainer can provide lasting value beyond the court, while an interested trainer can offer solid improvement during sessions. An industrialist trainer, however, may leave you feeling like you’ve simply exchanged money for services without much personal investment.

So, which type of trainer will you choose to help your athlete reach their full potential?

For more insights and stories to help guide your athlete’s journey, subscribe to our Substack, Beyond the Fast-Break. We tackle the challenges parents and players face and provide practical solutions to ensure success both on and off the court.