Hi Coach,
Before you dive in, one quick note:
Lead a NIKE Camp in summer 2027: If you’re interested in hosting a NIKE Sports Camp at your school or club, or directing one in your community in summer 2027, just reply “NIKE” to this email.
In today’s issue…
4 pillars for your team or program
We just wrapped up our first week of summer camps.
When people ask me about the camps we run, I tell them that the secret sauce is our four program pillars.
#1: Fun
Sports should be fun! It’s why we all started playing and it’s usually one of the reasons people get into coaching.
The first pillar of all our camp programming is to ensure that it will be fun and enjoyable for the athletes.
When we plan our camps, we ask questions like:
Do they get to play the game they enjoy?
We prioritize getting as many athletes as possible as active as possible. They show up to play, not stand in lines!
Do we bring a positive attitude and infectious energy as coaches?
The coach or coaches set the climate. We commit to bringing a positive attitude, infectious energy, and having fun. When coaches have fun, it trickles down.
#2: Challenge
One of the primary reasons parents put their children in sports is because they want them to learn how to work hard and overcome challenges.
One of the primary reasons athletes stay in sports is because they experience the thrill of overcoming a challenge.
There are few things more rewarding than accomplishing something challenging.
When we plan our camps, we ask questions like:
Are the activities at a desirable difficulty for their age and stage?
Not too hard, not too easy.
Are the activities we do representative of the game?
We want what we work on to transfer to the competition.
Do we deliver clear, direct feedback about how they can get better?
Athletes want to know where they need to improve. We should observe carefully and be ready to give them that feedback in a constructive manner.
#3: Support
Challenge without support typically creates anxiety.
We want athletes to experience challenge and struggle, AND we want them to know that they are supported by the coaches and teammates through it.
When we plan our camps, we ask questions like:
How do we create an environment where mistakes are viewed as opportunities to learn and grow?
We introduce these concepts from the start and reinforce them throughout the week.
We’re intentional about reinforcing decisions over outcomes.
Do we offer encouragement after mistakes?
Athletes already know they messed up. They need encouragement and actionable feedback.
Have we communicated belief to the athletes?
Every athlete should know that we believe in their ability to improve.
#4: Connection
The cherry on top of the first three pillars is connection.
Without meaningful connections and relationships, the experience won’t be as impactful as it could be.
When we plan our camps, we ask questions like:
How quickly can our director and coaches learn the names of the athletes?
We do it by the end of day 3. The coaches learn names of the athletes in their group by the end of day 1.
Have we built a real relationship with them?
We eat lunch with them. We ask them questions about their lives!
Do we give them our attention?
We keep phones and technology out of the experience. We focus on being present.
Do we recognize their progress and effort?
We make them feel seen through verbal recognition
Have we created a team that supports each other?
We give the athletes opportunities to encourage and celebrate one another
🧠 COACHING APPLICATION
A thought on applying this with your team…
Identify one way that you can increase one of the four pillars (fun, challenge, support, and connection) on your team or in your program
After you’ve done that, do the same thing for another one of the pillars
Thanks for reading, I hope this serves you on your journey.
To your growth,
Luke Gromer, RYG Athletics | A NIKE Sports Camp Provider
P.S. If you’re interested in becoming one of our NIKE Sports Camp directors or hosting a camp at your school, reply “NIKE” to this email, and we’ll get on a call!
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