09/07/2026
What does effective coaching actually look like?
Smith & Smoll’s Coach Effectiveness Training (CET) was developed to help coaches create environments that support both athlete development and performance. At the heart of the model are five core coaching principles:
1️⃣developmentally oriented philosophy of winning
Focus on athlete effort and enjoyment, rather than winning at all costs.
2️⃣positive approach to coaching
Use positive reinforcement, encouragement, and appropriate instruction.
3️⃣Norms that emphasize athletes’ obligations to help and support one another
4️⃣Decision making that involves athletes
Including athletes in appropriate decisions can increase ownership and acceptance of team roles and responsibilities.
5️⃣Increased self-awareness of one’s own behavior and its consequence
Coaches are encouraged to observe, reflect on, and monitor their own coaching behavior.
Research on CET has found meaningful changes in the athlete experience. Athletes with CET-trained coaches have reported greater enjoyment, more positive evaluations of their coaches and teammates, increased self-esteem, lower performance anxiety, and lower rates of sport dropout.
At Persistence Performance Group, we work with coaches, teams, and organizations to be more intentional about the environments they create while continuing to pursue high standards and performance.
Interested in bringing this work to your team or organization? Send us a DM or visit the link in our bio to schedule your free consultation today!
