10 Programming and Coaching Mistakes YOU Might be Making

10 Programming and Coaching Mistakes YOU Might be Making

Author: Mike Robertson May 16, 2025 Duration: 46:41

I don’t know about you, but I’m ALWAYS thinking about programming and coaching

Even in my time off, I’m thinking about making myself a better coach, or how to better help the other coaches that I work with and mentor.

Now this could be an incredibly extensive list, but what I’m sharing today are 10 of the biggest mistakes I see coaches making TODAY.

Some are age-old and I’ve seen them for the better part of two decades, while others I feel like are far more prevalent in this day and age.

So sit back, relax, and let’s make sure you’re not making one of these 10 BIG mistakes!

 

The best program designers are great not because of all the stuff they cram into a workout, but because of all the stuff they willfully leave out.

– MR

 

This Week on the Physical Prep Podcast:

  • A huge mistake that not only impacts coaching and cuing, but energy levels as well.
  • The biggest mistake I see young coaches make.
  • Why isometrics (ISO’s) can play a key role in your programs.
  • The tip Lee Taft gave me to better see and understand overall movement.
  • One of my biggest pet peeves when it comes to coaches and trainers.
  • How Shiny Object Syndrome is keeping you from writing better programs.
  • Why the “one thing” principle is great for content and social media, but not so much for training real clients and athletes.
  • The power of explaining “Why” to the people you train.
  • What “serial batching” is, and why you should be using it to write better programs in less time.
  • Why every coach should be looking to eliminate things from their programs, versus just adding “more stuff.”

 

 

Related Links:

 

Level Up Your Program Design with Train Heroic!

Are you tired of using clunky, antiquated program design tools like Microsoft Word or Excel?

Are you ready to level up your programming, and make it far more engaging to your clients and athletes?

If so, you need to check out Train Heroic.

I’ve been using TrainHeroic for years now both here at RTS and at IFAST, and I can tell you the user experience both as an athlete and coach is truly second to none.

To learn more and start your free 14-day trial, just follow this link to learn more about Train Heroic.

Not only will you get your first 14 days free, but it’s just $10/month to get started officially after that.

So don’t wait any longer – head over trainheroic.co/rts and start crafting beautiful programs your clients and athletes will love TODAY!

 

Subscribe, Rate & Share!

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Physical Preparation Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe on Apple PodcastsSpotify, and YouTube Podcasts and leave your honest review. I’d also love to connect via FacebookTwitter, and Instagram or visit our website.

Thanks so much for your support – love and appreciate you!

The post 10 Programming and Coaching Mistakes YOU Might be Making appeared first on Robertson Training Systems.


Mike Robertson hosts the Physical Preparation Podcast, a space dedicated to the intricate craft of building better athletes and more effective coaches. Instead of quick fixes or fads, conversations here focus on the principles and practical details that form the foundation of sustainable performance. Each episode features in-depth discussions with leading experts from the health and fitness world, breaking down complex concepts into actionable strategies. You’ll hear honest explorations of training methodologies, injury prevention, and the nuanced decisions that separate good programs from great ones. This podcast serves as a continual education for anyone serious about understanding the ‘why’ behind physical preparation, whether you’re designing regimens for others or refining your own athletic journey. The dialogue is grounded in real-world application, aiming to sharpen your critical thinking and provide tools that can be implemented immediately. Tune in for a consistently insightful look at how intelligent training philosophy translates into tangible results, fostering a deeper appreciation for the art and science of human performance.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Physical Preparation Podcast
Podcast Episodes
7 Thoughts on Coaching Young Athletes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:25
If you train young athletes, this episode is for you! Here I’m going to share 7 powerful insights from my 25 years of coaching young athletes. Whether it’s customizing your communication, monitoring your energy, or pract…
2025 Review, 2026 Preview, and Lessons Learned Over the Past Year [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:48
What a year it was in 2025! Serious growth with IFAST Basketball. The gym is humming along. And my kids are getting BIG! But even with all the good stuff, there’s always a need to look back and reflect. Sure some things…
Building a High-Performance Model on a Budget with Dr. Anne Beethe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:29
Are you a smaller college, facility or business owner who is looking to take their sports performance program to the next level? If so, you’re going to LOVE today’s episode. Dr. Anne Beethe currently serves as the Direct…
Building a Fitness Business that Works for YOUR Life with Andy McCloy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:25
Look my friend – like it or not, 2026 is right around the corner. Which leads me to a simple question: Will this be your best year EVER? Whether we’re talking about growing your fitness business, becoming a better coach,…
The Super Duper Mash-Up Episode (Winter 2025) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:11
My friend it has been a CRAZY couple of weeks. Short week last week with the holiday. Short week THIS WEEK because I’m speaking at Andy and Luka’s Built to Last gym mastermind here in Nashville. And believe it or not I w…