Three Effective Communication Techniques to Connect with Young Athletes
To effectively communicate, we must realise that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others - Tony Robbins
Connecting with your athletes goes beyond teaching them the right moves on the court.
It’s about how you communicate with them, how effectively you convey your messages, and how well you understand their responses.
Here are three communication techniques that can help you build stronger connections with your teenage athletes, enhancing their development and your coaching effectiveness.
Active Listening
What it is: Active listening involves fully concentrating on what is being said rather than just passively hearing the message of the speaker. It’s about listening with all senses.
Why it works: Teenagers, especially athletes, need to feel understood and valued, not just instructed. By actively listening, you show that you care about their thoughts and feelings, not just their performance.
No one cares about how much you know until they know about how much you care
How to use it: During conversations, give your full attention, nodding and maintaining eye contact. Paraphrase what they’ve said to confirm understanding. This technique encourages open communication and shows athletes that you are genuinely interested in their perspectives.
2. Open-Ended Questions
What it is: Open-ended questions are inquiries that cannot be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." They require a more detailed response.
Why it works: Asking open-ended questions encourages deeper thinking and more engagement from athletes. It helps them reflect on their experiences and express themselves more fully, providing richer insights into their motivations and feelings.
Don’t be known as someone who talks a lot but says very little
How to use it: Instead of asking, "Did you enjoy practice today?" ask "What did you enjoy about practice today?" This approach not only helps athletes articulate their thoughts and feelings but also provides valuable feedback for improving your coaching methods.
3. Empathetic Affirmation
What it is: Empathetic affirmation involves recognising and acknowledging the athletes’ feelings and experiences. It’s about validating their emotions as real and important.
Why it works: Young athletes often face pressure and stress, feeling like they need to meet high expectations. When coaches use empathetic affirmation, it helps athletes feel supported and understood, reducing anxiety and boosting confidence.
When your athletes trust you, they’ll be more open and receptive at hearing and processing constructive feedback
How to use it: When an athlete is frustrated or disappointed, instead of glossing over their feelings with generic encouragement, acknowledge their struggle and affirm their feelings, e.g., "It sounds like you’re disappointed about the game. It’s okay to feel that way. Let’s talk about what we can learn from this experience."
The Cornerstone of Coaching
Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful coaching.
By mastering these three techniques—active listening, open-ended questioning, and empathetic affirmation—you can enhance your ability to connect with your athletes, foster a supportive environment, and ultimately, improve their performance and enjoyment of the sport.
The goal is to develop not just skilled athletes but well-rounded individuals who trust and respect their coach as a mentor and guide.