Managing Energy, Not Just Time: Avoiding Burnout as a Youth Coach

Coaching young athletes is one of the most rewarding jobs out there—but it can also be exhausting. Early mornings, back-to-back sessions, and the constant need to bring high energy can take a toll.

The secret? Managing your energy, not just your time. Here’s how to stay sharp, enthusiastic, and ensure you are avoiding burnout while doing what you love.

1. Prioritize Recovery Like an Athlete

You wouldn’t push a young player to train non-stop without rest—so why do it to yourself? Make proper sleep, nutrition, and downtime a priority. Think of your body and mind as your coaching toolkit—if you don’t take care of them, they won’t perform at their best.

2. Know Your Peak Energy Hours

Everyone has times of the day when they naturally feel more energized. If possible, schedule the most demanding sessions during your peak performance hours and save admin work or planning for when your energy dips.

3. Fuel Your Body (and Not Just with Coffee!)

Caffeine is great—but it’s not a sustainable energy source. Stay hydrated, pack high-protein snacks, and avoid heavy meals that leave you sluggish. Small, frequent snacks (like nuts, fruit, or protein bars) can keep your energy steady throughout the day.

4. Set Boundaries: Work Hard, but Switch Off Too

Passionate coaches give their all—but that doesn’t mean they have to be on-call 24/7. Set clear work-life boundaries, whether that’s taking one evening off, limiting after-hours messages, or making sure you have non-coaching time for yourself.

5. Keep the Fun Alive (for You Too!)

Burnout often comes from forgetting why you started. Switch up drills, introduce new games, and challenge yourself to keep sessions fresh and exciting. When you enjoy coaching, that energy spreads to your players.

Coaching Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

The best coaches don’t just last a season—they build long, fulfilling careers by managing their energy wisely. Stay healthy, rested, and excited about what you do, and you’ll be able to give young players your very best.

📩 Coaches—what’s your go-to tip for staying energized? Drop it in the comments!