Coaches Corner
By Greg Smith
Communication – The Key To Effective Coaching
Effective coaches are usually good communicators. In fact, communication is one of the most important roles of the coach. All coaches should develop their communication skills if they committed to doing a good job and being able to produce good results.
Factors that can lead to effective communication are:
1. The coach should arrive early to practice and be prepared, ready to begin on time. This shows that he is well organised and doesn’t want to waste time. The better prepared you are the more effective you are with your communication regarding the goals you want to accomplish.
2. Distractions should be eliminated. Any equipment laying around should be packed away and only used when needed. Small things like making sure children don’t face the sun when communicating must be avoided. Coaches must make sure that the only focus children have is on the task at hand. Always be prepared.
3. Make sure when you communicate with your children that they are comfortable. Make sure you speak to them at their level and can relate to them as a team and know them individually too.
Besides using verbal communication with your team, showing them physical attributes of their goal goes a long way. Children love to see their coach/mentor physically achieve or demonstrate the task at hand. When the coach demonstrates the skill or information, he has to make sure the message is understood so that the child will be able to execute it efficiently. A great coach will use language or practical techniques that will be applicable to the age group they are teaching in order to achieve the goal set before them.
At the end of the day, you have a group of children who are wanting and trusting you to help them grow and develop skills in order for them to enjoy their sport confidently. Be a good communicator.
Greg Smith
Activ8 Kids Sports Academy
“Be the best version of yourself”
Harnessing A Positive Sport Environment For Children
Parental pressure, forcing children to participate in and excel at sport can have a negative effect on the athlete’s sporting experience. It is natural for parents to identify with their children. However, problems arise when over – identification results in pushing athletes to equal or surpass the parents’ own achievements.
Parents need to allow for space and support their children in the appropriate development according to their needs and child’s growth. School sport isn’t there for the gratification of parents and the coach but more the celebration of watching and enjoying the athlete’s commitment and achievement. Sport participation provides common interests and should contribute to good relationships.
The coach must also show consideration for the athlete’s parents. Sport is one aspect of parent’s involvement in the development of their children. The coach needs to develop the cooperation and support of parents and should try to make the sporting experience as easy as possible. Practical examples include well organised practices, reasonable demands on expenses with uniform, travel arrangements, etc. It is a good idea for the coach to communicate the coaching philosophy to parents and explain the approach they are taking.
One way of ensuring that the athlete’s approach is positive is by providing a healthy and efficient environment. Parents as well as coaches are part of this environment. It is difficult to have an effective sports program and enthusiastic athlete if there is a bombardment of negative criticism. A positive sport environment can be characterised by the following:
1. Providing encouragement that will obtain and maintain a desirable behaviour.
2. Reinforcing effort and performance will help with making sure instruction is achieved. The focus here should be on a positive outcome on the goal of the athlete’s role.
3. Winning is not the most important thing in sport. Athletes should be taught that success is achieved in the pursuit of winning. Success is won when the athlete gives maximum effort.
In the end, Parents and coaches need to provide a healthy environment where the athlete will achieve excellence in self-fulfilment and the realisation of their potential.
Greg Smith
Activ8 Kids Sports Academy
“Be the Best Version of Yourself”