
Director of Athletic Development at Triple F Elite Sports Training in Knoxville—and creator of the Plyomat—Richard Burnett joins the show to break down his “4 Pillars of Coaching”: what they are, how to develop them, and how to evaluate them.
We also explore:
- The differences between coaching in college, high school, and the private sector
- How to know which environment is the best fit for your personality and goals
- Creating great environments for long-term athletic development
- How to run a business without compromising your values or the people in front of you
Whether you're new to coaching or reevaluating how you show up across roles, Richard brings clarity to what truly matters for long-term impact.
This podcast evolved from my book, Strength In Numbers — the ultimate mentorship guide for coaches.
Featuring insights from 100+ ELITE coaches across every level and sport, it’s an encyclopedia of coaching wisdom built to help you grow your career, navigate failure, and find long-term coaching success.
👉 Grab your copy of Strength In Numbers [by clicking here].
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Impact of Coaching
02:54 The Four Coaching Pillars
11:29 Evaluating Coaching Effectiveness
18:02 Mentorship and Growth in Coaching
20:45 Hiring and Evaluating Coaches
27:37 Differences in Coaching Environments
35:43 Transitioning from College to High School Coaching
37:50 The Disconnect in Strength Conditioning Education
38:59 The Evolving Landscape of Coaching Careers
40:13 The Value of Early Athletic Development
43:06 Finding Satisfaction in Coaching at Different Levels
45:47 Creating Pressure and Avoiding Complacency
50:26 Long-Term Athletic Development and Youth Sports
56:25 Adapting Training to Individual Needs
01:01:28 Balancing Business and Impact in Coaching