Reader,
This week I delivered two workshops to a group of coaches working with players of all ages. The workshop was shaped around the how of coaching.
How we should work with and understand developing players, how we communicate with children, how we role model and lead and how we deliver on the grass.
In order to get the coaches thinking about their role, I asked them:
Take two minutes and think about the best coach or teacher that you had, why you connected with them and how they made you feel?
All of the responses from coaches in the room were tied to stories of how they felt, empowered, connected, had a voice, felt belonging, or connected with their team mates. They spoke about how the coach took time to get to know them, to understand them, to support and to teach them.
Nothing came up around the technical or tactical lessons or game knowledge that was passed on, it was all around a culture of connection.
This question is powerful in that it should encourage coaches to think about how they make an impact and create connections with players which ultimately, create powerful and positive memories from their school or football environments.
Three Things to Consider
- Consider the tone you set and the culture within the environment. How does it make the players feel when they arrive at training?
- Self-awareness is an essential skill in effective coaching. Understand the impact you can make if you get the environment and be clear on the impact of every intervention you make.
- How can you create a connection with your players? Find time to understand more about the player than just what you see on the football pitch. This can add huge value to the impact you can make in the long term.
One thing to try this week
Take on the task above. Reflect or write down your thoughts on the best coach or teacher that you had, why you connected with them and how they made you feel.
I hope this will inspire you to consider how you can approach coaching to create similarly positive memories.
One Critical Resource on the Topic
Check out this Masterclass Discussion on coach communication and connection with Professor Stephen Rollnick.
