6
GOOD COACHING NEEDS
GOOD COMMUNICATION
Communication is not merely giving instructions and having athletes carry
them out. Effective communication is a two way street. You are both the
sender and receiver of information. That means that not only do you
need to be understood when you communicate, but you also need to listen to the
people you communicate with. Listening skills are as important as speaking
skills. Here are some helpful hints.
When speaking:
Use words the athlete understands (remember growth and development needs)
Don't speak too quickly
Make sure that they are paying attention to you
Get down to their eye level
Make sure everyone can hear (speak loudly enough, face them when speaking)
Make sure they understand (ask them to state what you've asked them to do)
Repeat yourself if necessary
When listening:
Establish eye contact
Give signs that you are paying attention (uh huh, yes, I see)
Have the rest of the group quiet
Restate or rephrase what you've heard (you want to know what to when...)
Be positive
Thank them for asking the question or making a point
When you give feedback:
Be prompt- give feedback while the athlete still remembers what they did
Be positive- start by mentioning what they're doing well
Be specific- explain exactly how to make the improvement
Be sensible- don't ask for changes the athlete is not capable of
Make sure the athlete understands- ask them to repeat or demonstrate
"That was good! You've got the arm action. Now let's work on the step - you
need to point your toe like this. OK? Ready to try it again?"
Coaching Basics
by Lorne Adams, February 2000
Creation of this document supported by the Sport Alliance of Ontario and the
Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation.
This document may be reproduced with credit to the author, Sport Alliance of
Ontario, and Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation.