6 steps to support players' growth

One of the pivotal roles of the coach is to create an environment where your players feel safe – physically, emotionally and psychologically.

 

This will enable your players to contribute fully, by being able to communicate and express themselves without fear. 

 

Feeling safe will enable players to try new things, admit errors, ask for help and seek feedback, This will help them to achieve their full potential.

 

Here are some key strategies for this.

 

Building trust is critical

The athlete-coach relationship is central to coaching, so it is essential that your players trust you.
 

Trust is cultivated over time. It is earned through consistency, reliability and genuine care. 
  

Demonstrating respect, empathy and integrity in your actions will significantly contribute towards establishing and maintaining trust. It is a continuous process.

 

BODY LANGUAGE AND TONE ARE EQUALLY IMPORTANT

Your players must see, feel and hear your excitement and happiness to have them in your session. 

 

A friendly smile and enthusiastic tone will make your players feel welcome. Open body language makes you appear approachable, puts your players at ease and fosters a relaxed and enjoyable environment. It also conveys confidence. 

Being organised and maintaining a calm demeanour further enhances your appearance of being in control, which in turn helps your players feel safe and secure during the session.

 

effective communication is paramount

Use clear and consistent communication to establish routines and standards. Avoid sarcasm, especially with young players, as many will interpret your words literally. 
  

Plan what you are going to say before the start of the session. A fantastic way to ensure you are prepared is to mentally rehearse your explanations and coaching points. 
  

Sometimes you might need to make a point you did not rehearse. In the heat of the moment, it is natural to talk faster than usual. To avoid getting tongue tied, it is helpful to speak slowly and enunciate carefully.

 

Stay fully engaged when interacting with players

Make eye contact, use facial expressions, ask questions and remember what players say.   Enthusiasm for what you do is contagious and will impact the energy of your session.

When you show genuine excitement about the activity and your players’ performances, it reflects your passion and commitment. The positive energy will motivate your players and keep them engaged in the session.

Your commitment to their development becomes evident, which will inspire your players to want to improve even more.

 

The cycle of enthusiasm and engagement cultivates an enjoyable and rewarding experience for everyone.

 

Positive feedback and reinforcement enhancE self-esteem

When players receive praise or affirmations, it validates their efforts and achievements, fostering a sense of accomplishment and worth. 

When players feel valued, they are more attentive and open to corrections. This means more when it comes from someone they trust and know cares about them.

 

Creating a physically safe environment is essential

This goes beyond standard safety protocols, such as checking the pitch for hazards and ensuring equipment is functional.

Use activities appropriate for your players, provide rest breaks and ensure fair play.

 

Take any threats to player safety seriously; if a player or spectator shouts something threatening, address it immediately by removing the player from play or ending the game if necessary. This demonstrates your commitment to player welfare.