Clear Communication: What Young Athletes Need To Succeed
The importance of communication in sports cannot be underestimated. Generally, poor communication is one of the major factors responsible for reduced performance in the world of sports. There is no doubt about it; clear communication is key to success among young athletes. It is a critical aspect of coaching that cannot be overlooked.
When you remain in close communication with young athletes, there are several benefits that come along with it. Your ability to communicate effectively helps to
- Promote peace and unity
- Correct bad notions and misassumptions
- Encourage openness and benevolence
- Foster a successful environment
In order to promote a successful relationship between you and your athletes, there is need for good communication. You just have to keep the lines of communication open for the child to trust you.
To become an effective communicator, you don’t have to be over-involved or under-involved with the team. A coach can be said to be under-involved when he fails to show up at practices or attend games. As a coach, if you find yourself getting upset with a ref’s call or yelling on the sidelines, just know that you are already getting over-involved. Learning to strike a balance between the two, places you on the right path to becoming an effective communicator.
Try as much as possible to express full positivity in all things and at all times. Let your sports kids know that no matter the situation, you will always be there for them. This presents a great way of maintaining effective communication within the team.
Avoid being a regular fault-finder. No matter how bad a game is, do not display absolute negativity when they come to complain to you. You may criticize some of their actions but always ensure to point to them those things that they did well.
To achieve a successful team, you must shun bullying. This aggressive act of intimidation can make kids underperform and even cause them to drop out of sports. Let them see the willingness in you to take action to stop the act.
Every complaint of bullying should be taken very seriously. If your kids complain of being bullied, it is your responsibility, as a coach to listen and take action. If possible, try to feel their pulse (i.e. understand how they feel). Your ability to make your kids know how serious this is will boost their level of confidence in you.
Whether it’s being a great sport, communication or teamwork, always remind your kids what they are good at. Try as much as possible to be positive when listening to those with low self-esteem so you can encourage them and boost their confidence in the sport.
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