Developing Young Leaders: Leadership Through Peer Coaching
Mike Collette • December 7, 2024
Leadership Through Peer Coaching: The Zone of Proximal Development
Zone of Proximal Devleopment
Vygotsky's zone of proximal development (ZPD) refers to the space where learners can achieve more with guidance than they could on their own. In our Long-Term Athletic Development (LTAD) program, the concept of ZPD is put into practice through peer coaching. Older athletes, who have established strong skills and knowledge through doing the course themselves, act as mentors to younger, less experienced participants. By guiding them through exercises, explaining techniques, and offering feedback, older peers help bridge the gap between what the younger participants can do independently and what they can achieve with support. A similar model is used in our Nike Soccer Camps, where older soccer players mentor and coach younger participants. This model helps older peers develop leadership, communication, and empathy skills while empowering younger participants to learn more effectively from relatable role models, building their confidence and accelerating their growth.
Reinforcing Knowledge by Teaching
Explaining techniques, form, and strategies forces the teacher to break down their knowledge, reinforcing their skills in the process. Take Caroline and Owen, for example. As participants who have spent years honing their athletic abilities, they have now taken on significant roles as caoches within the LTAD program. Gaining practical coaching experience has reinforced their own knowledge and and solidified their leadership capabilities. Similarly, Gaby and Abby, who teach at the Nike Soccer Camps, use their expertise to guide younger players, solidifying their own understanding in the process.
Building Leadership and Responsibility
Leading younger kids in training gives a sense of responsibility and ownership. They learn that leadership is about empowering others, not just being in charge. The confidence gained from mentoring helps prepare them for future leadership roles, both in sports and life. This will help them when figuring out their future career aspirations.
Developing Empathy and Communication Skills
Teaching younger peers requires patience and clear communication. Being able to adjust coaching style to suit the needs of younger learners, fostering empathy and emotional intelligence. These interactions help them become more effective communicators and more understanding leaders.
Relatable Role Models
When younger kids are coached by older peers, they gain access to mentors who understand their struggles. The proximity in age makes the guidance feel more accessible and relatable, providing a positive example of how to grow and improve. Younger athletes coached by Caroline and Owen benefit from their peers’ shared experiences and understandings of the challenges that come with skill-building and growth.
Engaged Learning
Younger participants often feel more comfortable asking questions and seeking feedback from peers than adults. This informal, approachable coaching style encourages more interaction, helping younger kids learn faster and with greater confidence. Gaby and Abby, who assist with the Nike Soccer Camp, exemplify how peer coaching creates a comfortable atmosphere for younger participants. During the camp, Gaby and Abby lead drills, share tactical insights, and provide encouragement that resonates with younger players. The positive reinforcement from older kids builds self-esteem in younger participants. As they see improvements and gain encouragement, they develop a stronger sense of confidence, which motivates them to continue progressing.
Proximal zoning, when applied to exercise, creates a powerful cycle of growth. Older kids gain essential leadership skills while mentoring younger peers, and in turn, the younger kids receive valuable guidance and support.
Previous Blogs
“Can pre-teen and teen athletes really make improvements as the season goes on?” That’s a question I get all the time. And the answer is simple: Absolutely. But… they may not if all they’re doing is playing their sport. Wait, Isn’t Playing Enough? It’s not that playing their sport isn’t valuable—it’s hugely important! That’s where kids compete, have fun, and apply what they’ve learned. But here’s the kicker: it’s not where kids build new skills. It’s not where they improve movement mechanics, body control, or physical literacy. That happens in training. Playing their sport is the test. Training is the homework. So What Kind of Training Are We Talking About? I’m not saying your 10-year-old needs a lifting program or 5 a.m. workouts. I’m talking about focused, age-appropriate athletic development. Here’s what to look for: • Balance • Coordination • Strength through movement • Core control • Focus and body awareness • Drills that challenge the athlete as a whole, not just as a soccer or baseball player. But Isn’t That What Practice Is For? In theory, yes! But let’s be honest—most practices during the season are all about preparing for the next game. Coaches focus on tactics, plays, and who’s starting Saturday. That’s not a knock on coaches—they’re doing their job! But this focus often means your child’s individual development takes a back seat. Won’t Kids Burn Out If We Add More? Only if it’s the wrong type of more. The right kind of training isn’t exhausting—it’s energizing! It builds confidence and helps kids feel stronger, more in control, and less likely to get hurt. We’re not adding stress. We’re adding support. I have had a few parents share with me that when their athlete goes to practices after LTAD they play their best. Thats because there is a difference between a "workout" and a training session. LTAD isn't designed to put the athletes through a tough workout. Its a training session just like one of their practices for their sport it the goal is just a little different, its to make them a better athlete. So What Should I Do As a Parent? Look for a training environment that focuses on movement quality, fun challenges, and coaching that understands how kids learn. Keep it consistent, even during the season. We offer a few at Prototype thought our Youth Fundamentals classes and LTAD (Long Term Athletic Development) classes. And most importantly: Don’t assume playing their sport is enough. Because your athlete has more potential than what shows up on game day—and training is what unlocks it. Engaging your pre-teen / Teen in focused training can make a world of difference! It’s all about balancing play with the right kind of development. So get out there, find that perfect training environment, and watch your young athlete thrive! You can reach me with any questions @ steve@prototypetraining.com Steve Cimino Director of Youth Development Prototype Training Systems
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The end of the 2025 Prototype Open is here, and this year’s competition has been a testament to the power of consistency. The effort from everyone—whether seasoned veterans or newcomers—made this Open truly special. This event has highlighted the strength of community, the importance of persistence, and how much we can achieve when we keep showing up and supporting one another. A huge thank you to everyone who participated! Keep reading for details about the last week and highlights.
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