Why does Roger Federrer need a coach?

Why does Roger Federrer need a coach?

Roger Federrer has been described as the best tennis player ever by some tennis pundits. His exploits have even been hailed by tennis legends. Currently he is ranked number one in the world. He is reputed to be the longest-serving number one ranked tennis player in the world. But one thing intrigues me about Roger Federrer, he has a coach.

Consider Usain Bolt, the Jamaican who has taken the world of track and field by storm. He broke the Olympic record in the 200 metres sprint at the just-concluded games in London. He has consistently run under 9 seconds in the 100 metres dash. But one thing intrigues me about Usain Bolt, he has a coach.

Tiger Woods for a long time was the number one golfer in the world. His prodigious talent as a golfer cannot be denied even by his detractors. He has won numerous golf titles and he is still a force in the game of golf. But one thing intrigues me about Tiger Woods, he has a coach.

I must also mention Lionel Messi, who for me, is the best footballer in the last decade. He is the finest footballer I know. He is so talented that viewers marvel when they see his dexterous display on the field of play. Messi is immensely gifted. His talents are so obvious for all to see. But one thing intrigues me about Lionel Messi, he has a coach.

The question bogging my mind is this: Why do these world class superstars need a coach? What do their coaches teach them? Why does Usain Bolt have to listen to a person who probably never created or broke any record? Does Tito Vilanova teach Messi how to dribble or shake off an opponent? Do these gifted or talented people need a coach?

A coach is a person who instructs players in the fundamentals of a competitive sport and directs team strategy. Going by this definition, yes, these superstars need a coach. This is because talent is not enough. Talent/skill must be honed. While these stars may possess immense skills, they need a trained/experienced person to help direct or channel their skills for desired output. A coach determines tactic/strategy. A coach ensures discipline. A coach is also a psychologist. He has the responsibility to instil confidence in his player(s).  A talented player who lacks self-confidence will never live up to expectation. A good player still needs a person who can analyse him and determine when he is exhausted and needs to rest and when he must train. An amazing player needs someone who can analyse the opposition/opponent very well and then decide the appropriate style of play. So, YES, superstars also need coaches.

The purpose of this piece is to highlight the importance of a mentor, a coach, a teacher or a guide in a person’s life. No matter how talented or gifted you may be, the place of a mentor/teacher cannot be ruled out or underestimated. This is because the instruction you follow determines the future you create. So decide today on a mentor. And hope you know that mentorship can also be received from books and tapes. If you asked the late Bola Ige who his mentor was, without batting an eyelid, he would tell you Chief Obafemi Awolowo. In fact, most Nigerian politicians of western extraction are quick to name Awolowo as their mentor or role model. Ask Bishop David Oyedepo who his father in the ministry is and he will unabashedly mention Pastor E. A. Adeboye. Ask some of the most popular Nigerian artistes who their mentors are and you will hear them reel out names of veterans in the industry. King of Juju music, King Sunny Ade will always acknowledge the influence of Chief Moses Olaiya, a.k.a Baba Sala on his career. Popular Nigerian comedian, AY and many other Nigerian comedians never fail to acknowledge the role played by Ali Baba, Nigeria’s veteran comedian in their careers. All these examples go to show how much we need people in our lives to help us do well in life.

So who is that person you admire? GATHER ALL HIS BOOKS AND TAPES AND DEVOUR THEM. Always remember: WE ALL NEED COACHES.