A coach is an experienced person who supports, guides, and trains individuals or groups to improve their performance, achieve specific goals, or develop skills in various areas such as sports, personal development, or professional growth
. In sports , a coach teaches, trains, and directs athletes or teams, making decisions about how the team plays during games and helping players improve their skills and strategies
. In personal or professional development , a coach partners with clients to help them identify goals, overcome obstacles, and make progress toward desired outcomes. They provide a structured, supportive environment that encourages self-discovery, accountability, and growth. Unlike mentors or counselors, coaches focus on specific tasks or objectives rather than general guidance or remedial support
. Key characteristics of coaching include:
- Coaching is a partnership aimed at helping clients achieve their personal best and desired results
- Coaches use active listening, powerful questioning, and effective communication to facilitate client growth
- Coaching differs from mentoring, counseling, therapy, training, consultancy, and teaching by focusing on unlocking potential and supporting change rather than providing direct advice or remedial help
- Coaches do not need to be experts in their clients’ specific fields but help clients find their own solutions and paths forward
The term "coach" originally referred to a horse-drawn carriage and evolved metaphorically to mean someone who helps "carry" a person from where they are to where they want to be, first used in an educational context in the 19th century and later in sports
. In summary, a coach is a guide and facilitator who helps individuals or teams improve performance, develop skills, and achieve goals through support, training, and motivation.
