Coaching athletes is different today than it was even five, 10-years ago. When you started coaching, you probably did not observe or receive instruction on watching out for your athletes mental health. Your biggest concerns were the X's and O's and making sure each kid was physically fit. However, athletes at all levels have been speaking out about how athletics has affected them mentally.

Dr. Steve Graef, a Columbus-based psychologist, offers these tips for coaches. Watch, listen and observe. Coaches can gain valuable insight into their athletes by establishing a relationship and doing daily/weekly check ins to see how the athlete is doing. Dr. Graef suggested observing if the athletes behavior or attitude is changing is an indicator that a change is occurring.

C&A is partnering with Dr. Graef to produce videos and tip sheets for coaches to better guide and understand their athletes.