The Secret Top Coaches Know: Why Sharing is the Real Power Move

You can’t win alone. And the fastest way to the top? Borrow the map from someone who’s already there.

In sports and in life, the temptation to go it alone is strong. We think grit and grind will get us there, that building success is a solo mission. But if you look closely at the coaches and leaders who’ve truly made it, you’ll see a pattern: they ask, they listen, and they learn - from those who’ve already walked the path.

Here’s the truth: no quality coach ever runs away from teaching. Winning can create ego, yes, but the best coaches don’t hoard knowledge; they spread it. Why? Because they remember every vivid experience, every tough loss, every sweet win. And they understand that sharing these memories doesn’t diminish their power; it multiplies it.

Imagine this: the coaches you admire, the ones at the top today, they are simply you, five years down the line if everything goes right. You might have sharper instincts or better game reading someday. But today? There are layers of wisdom you haven’t discovered yet, simply because you don’t even know they exist.

Think about that. There are unknown unknowns - blind spots that only experience can illuminate. And the only shortcut is to connect with those who’ve already faced and solved them.

Interestingly, the higher up you go, the more generous top coaches tend to be. It’s like a video game: someone who has beaten Level 10 doesn’t hide the secrets. They’re excited to tell you how to pass that boss fight, how to level up faster. Because the peak? It can get lonely. And those who’ve reached it are often eager to find solid, quality minds they can exchange real stories with — not just success, but the difficulties too.

Why Coaches Share: The Deeper Reason

Beyond practical advice, there’s another reason elite coaches are willing to share: legacy. The best leaders don’t just want to win — they want their impact to last. When they help shape the next generation, they ensure their knowledge lives on, evolving and growing.

It’s also about community. Coaching at the highest level can be isolating. The competition is fierce, the stakes are high, and trust is rare. So, when they find someone genuinely eager to learn and improve, they see an opportunity not just to teach, but to build a lasting professional relationship.

The Common Mistake: Thinking You Have to Earn the Right to Ask

One of the biggest mistakes upcoming coaches and athletes make is believing they must achieve a certain status before they can ask questions. This mindset creates missed opportunities.

Top coaches are often more approachable than you think. They respect curiosity and initiative. They recognize in you the same hunger that once drove them. So, don't wait until you feel "ready." Start now. Approach, ask, listen, and apply.

Practical Tips to Connect with Elite Coaches

•⁠ ⁠Be specific: Don’t just say, “How can I be better?” Ask, “How did you handle player resistance when implementing new tactics?”

•⁠ ⁠Show appreciation: Acknowledge their time and wisdom. A simple thank you goes a long way.

•⁠ ⁠Apply and report back: If someone gives you advice, try it, then let them know the results. This builds trust and shows you’re serious.

Think Long-Term: Building Your Own Knowledge Tree

Every conversation, every piece of advice, adds a branch to your knowledge tree. Over time, this tree grows roots: solid, deep, and unshakeable.

Your goal isn’t to copy others but to integrate their lessons with your own experiences. That’s how you create your unique coaching identity; one that’s informed by the best but refined through your personal journey.

So if you’re climbing, here’s your power move:

•⁠ ⁠Ask questions. Lots of them.

•⁠ ⁠Seek opinions, even when they challenge you.

•⁠ ⁠Learn not just what worked, but why it worked.

Because no matter how talented you are, no matter your vision, there’s still a long way to go. And only a tiny fraction —maybe 0.01%— ever create sustained success. Don’t try to invent every solution yourself. Instead, tap into the living library of experience around you.

Remember: success leaves clues. And the best coaches are more ready to share than you think. All you have to do is ask.