4 key points for a good coach-player relationship

The success of a team is usually measured by the results obtained over the course of the season; however, it’s important to mention that part of this success comes down to the coaches and the solid relationship they have with the players.

Establishing a solid relationship between the coach and the young players enables him or her to better understand the players and know what motivates them most, which in turn enables them to better manage the team, and thus achieve dazzling success.

Communication is a crucial element of a good coach-player relationship. Without it, coaches may find that their athletes don’t listen as attentively, feel less engaged and are less committed to the team. They may also notice a lack of cohesion within the team. And while a relationship should be a two-way street, it’s the coach’s responsibility to maintain a good relationship with his or her athletes.

The challenge facing every coach is to balance logic and rationality with empathy and emotional awareness.

The relationship between coach and athlete is complex and unique. That’s why it’s important for coaches to develop certain skills that can help them build strong bonds with their athletes.

In any relationship, communication is necessary. In sport, coaches need to communicate clearly and honestly with athletes in order to manage the team effectively. This aspect goes both ways, as athletes must in turn learn to interact as well, and to express themselves freely without being interrupted.

Coaches need to listen carefully to their athletes in every situation, try to understand them and have collaborative discussions. Ultimately, both parties aim to achieve a common goal: high performance through skill development.

Not only does communication contribute to the performance of the team as a whole, it also has an impact on the mental health of athletes, especially young ones. That said, coaches need to be careful about how they deliver a message, especially when it comes to giving feedback. It’s important to use the right words, so as not to damage a player’s self-esteem.

Dr. Rainer Martens in his book “Successful Coaching” has recommended the following guidelines for implementing the mastery approach to coach communication:

• Provide honest, direct and constructive messages.
• Adopt a positive and encouraging attitude. Don’t hesitate to give positive feedback when your players do things right.
• Avoid sarcasm and disparagement,
• Focus on what can be done, rather than on what can’t be done. Similarly, use solution-oriented language, rather than dwelling on problems.
• Seek to build character rather than destroy it.

Coaches need to be able to show genuine interest in their players. But what does this mean? In other words, coaches need to have a genuine interest in athletes in the sense that they need to make sure they know their players well, remembering what each one is most passionate about, what they like and also their strengths and weaknesses on the field.

Not only does this kind of information help coaches adapt their game strategies, it also helps them create a strong bond with their players. Wouldn’t you be happy if someone remembered that little thing you’re passionate about? It’s the same for athletes. They feel that their coach cares about them not only on a professional level, but also on a personal one, and this has a positive impact on the athletes.

What’s more, a coach who shows an interest in each of his players will be in a much better position to manage conflicts between players.

When we mentioned that the relationship between a coach and a player is unique, it’s because at some point, coaches also become mentors and advisors. And as part of their responsibilities, they have to be available to athletes when they need to talk or when they need help.

Players often look to their coaches as their role models, which is why they continually ask questions and seek advice, and why a strong relationship between the two is so important.

Nevertheless, it’s always important to ensure that the rule of two applies so that discussions are healthy and respectful.

Coaches have the opportunity to positively influence their athletes by being available and involved. The relationships that are built and nurtured over time are actually strengthened by coaches being available for their athletes.

What is a coach-athlete relationship without trust? It’s very important to trust your players and push them to take on new challenges that will help them develop and perform better. When you communicate effectively, show genuine interest in your players and their preferences, and are available to help them at any time, a relationship based on trust is quickly established.

Once this trust has been established, athletes generally listen more attentively, follow instructions more willingly and generally enjoy the game more.

Mutual trust benefits both the team and the players’ performance, leading to positive results.

The relationship between a coach and a player is key to the success of the team as a whole and the growth of each individual athlete. It is therefore important to develop different skills to maintain this relationship over the long term, and for it to have a positive impact on the players. The coach-player relationship is a first step, but here are some other tips on how to become the ideal sports coach.