Communicate to Win! 

by Coach Doug Reese, TTNL 

The ability to communicate with your athletes is critical in your role as a coach. It is a skill that involves two major aspects; speaking and listening. 

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Coaches who are effective communicators get and keep the attention of their athletes, send clear and simple messages and check to make sure their messages are consistent with their actions. They also have good listening skills, which involves listening positively, helpfully, objectively, and with concern.

Being a Good Listener

Communication is a two way street. Being receptive to your athletes' ideas and concerns is important to them and provides useful information to you. Part of coaching is listening to your athletes. By listening to what your athletes say, and by asking them how they feel about a point, you can actually determine how well they are learning. This often provides you with an opportunity to teach them what they do not understand.

Essential Factors in Listening Skills

Listening Positively. Athletes want to be heard and to express themselves. You can encourage this by using affirmative head nods and occasional one to three word comments ("I understand," etc.) while you are listening. The quickest way to cut off communication is by giving "no" responses or negative head nods.

Listening Objectively. Avoid prematurely judging the content of a message. Sincerely consider what your athletes have to say. They may have good ideas! A good listener creates a warm, non-judgemental atmosphere so athletes will be encouraged to talk and ask questions.

Listening with Interest. Being a good listener means being attentive and truly interested in what your athletes have to say. Look and listen with concern. Listen to what is said and how it is said. Establish eye contact and make sure your body reflects your interest in your athlete's message.

Being receptive to your athletes' thoughts and comments is important to them, and it provides you with essential information. Also it is important to be receptive to comments that are critical of you and your coaching. Criticism is the most difficult communication to accept, but it is often the most helpful in improving our coaching behavior.