How to Build Simple, Hard, and Effective Programs: A Guide for Coaches

This week’s coaching call focused on creating simple, hard, and effective programs—not just for your clients but also for you as a coach. You can use this approach to help you develop your coaching skills, make your work more efficient, and ultimately serve your clients better. Here are some key takeaways:

The Importance of Templates for Coaches

At first glance, the idea of using templates may seem basic. After all, most coaches already know how to build effective programs, right? But the challenge here is not just creating programs for clients—it is creating programs that help you improve as a coach. Templates are essential for a few key reasons:

Templates Help Prevent Over-Customization
It can be tempting to tweak every program for every client, but often, less is more. By focusing on well-structured templates, you avoid the temptation to make unnecessary adjustments that can lead to over-complicating things. Most clients, especially beginners, will see progress on a simple, effective template.

Mastering Your Lane
Using templates helps you focus on mastering one approach at a time, particularly for novice coaches. When you use a proven template (like a simple linear progression), you are able to refine your coaching skills, get a feel for what works, and quickly spot issues when something goes off track. It is about understanding the basics first before branching out to more complex methods.

Progressive Improvement in Programming
Templates allow you to improve and refine your programming approach as you go. For example, when clients have issues with warm-ups or certain exercises, you can update the template to include solutions for these common problems. This allows you to address client needs more efficiently without reinventing the wheel each time.

Adjusting to Different Audiences
Templates help you better adjust to different types of clients. Whether you are working with a general population or specialized groups (like masters athletes), having templates for different subgroups helps you serve your clients effectively without having to start from scratch every time.

How to Implement Templates in Your Coaching

If you are not already using templates, or if you feel like your approach could be improved, here is a simple guide:

Make Sure Your System Is Efficient
Ensure you have an easy, seamless way to manage your templates. Whether you are using a specific app or a system like spreadsheets, it is crucial to have a smooth process in place.

Create a Few Core Templates
Develop three to four templates that cater to your most common client profiles. For example, clients often vary in how many days they can dedicate to training. Have three-, four-, and five-day schedules ready for use in each of these cases. Also, tailor templates for different client groups, like beginners, advanced lifters, or older adults.

Start With Proven Programs
If you are a novice coach, begin with established, proven templates. Programs like basic linear progressions or “5-3-1” work well for a broad range of clients. Adjust from there as you gain more experience.

Refine Based on Feedback
As you use these templates, pay attention to any client feedback or issues. For example, if multiple clients are struggling with their warm-ups, that is a signal to add clearer instructions or guidance to your templates. This makes your process more efficient and less reliant on remembering every detail.

Templates are a powerful tool that can help you deliver high-quality, effective coaching while preventing burnout and inefficiency. They help you stay disciplined, focus on what works, and provide your clients with a consistent, reliable experience. Even for seasoned coaches, revisiting and refining your templates can lead to significant improvements in your overall coaching practice.

Start implementing templates today, and you will find your coaching practice becoming more streamlined, effective, and fulfilling.