What Is Coaching? From Instructor to Educator

“Put your shoulder here. Run faster. Don’t stop.”

If this is where your coaching stops—you're just instructing.

But real coaching? It goes beyond drills and whistles.

Coaching is education.

A coach doesn’t just tell athletes what to do—they teach them to think, to self-reflect, to self-correct.

In modern sport, especially in small countries like Malta, the coach is more than a tactician.

They are a mentor, teacher, psychologist, and sometimes even a second parent.

Yet, many still believe that coaching is just shouting instructions from the sideline.

The shift: Instructor → Educator

The traditional model of coaching focused on control, repetition, and command.The educator model focuses on development, autonomy, and trust.

It’s not about removing structure—it’s about building understanding.Not about yelling louder—it’s about listening better.

Coaching today means:

• Teaching players how to learn

• Giving athletes ownership of their progress

• Explaining the why behind every action

• Building people first, athletes second

Why does this matter?

Because when we treat athletes like robots, they stop thinking. But when we coach them like learners, they grow into smart, adaptable performers who don’t freeze under pressure.

And that… is the difference between good and great.

In Malta, we need more coaches who are educators. That’s how we build a future generation of athletes who are not just physically prepared—but mentally and emotionally equipped to thrive.

Coach with purpose. Coach with heart. Coach with a plan.