Golden Rules of Communication - great to keep in mind when coaching!
1. Know your players' names – and use them!
I find it hard to remember names. However, I've worked on it because it's so important. How would you feel if you went to a meeting every week, took an active role but the person in charge didn't know your name? It wouldn't make you feel very good about going to that meeting, would it?
It's the same for young soccer players. You should get into the habit of greeting every player by name as they arrive at training or matches and asking how they are doing.
Being friendly and interested in your players as people – not just as players – is the first step to successful communication.
Tips for remembering names:
Drop the excuses. Telling yourself you can't remember names because you have a bad memory is like telling your dentist you haven't been brushing your teeth because you lost your toothbrush – it's rubbish!
Concentrate hard on players' names. Listen to them and use them during the training session or match.
If you forget a name, apologize and ask the player to tell you what it is. Don't worry about seeming forgetful – you need to know!
Repeat names to yourself, silently.
Address players by their names during the session and when they leave.
Write your players' names down afterwards.
2. K.I.S.S – Keep It Simple, Sir!
The easiest way to lose a group of young soccer players is to make them listen to long-winded instructions. Think about how you are going to explain a drill or game before you go to training sessions - not when you get there – and if you can't explain it in 30 seconds or less – don't use it!
And never use jargon.
3. Telling is good but showing is better.
Demonstrations are a great way to communicate with your players and I suggest you try showing your players what you want them to do instead of talking to them about it. However, the demonstration has to be good! If you can't perform the skill or technique yourself, don't be embarrassed, just find someone who can. It could be a fellow coach, a parent or a player.
4. Sssssh.....
Perhaps the most important part of communication is listening. Take the time to find out what your players want from your coaching sessions. Ask them what they think of the drills and games you use and find out what they want to play. You need to have your own objectives for a session but you can let your players choose a game occasionally.
If your players are old enough it's good practice to let them run a whole session sometimes. Let them design a session that works on the skill or technique they think they need to be better at.
5. Tell your players what you expect of them – and what they can expect of you.
We all want hard work, concentration and focus from our players but have you explained to them why you want them to work hard?
Explain that you will help them become the best soccer players they can possibly be but they have to help you in return by listening to you and giving 100% effort.
Don't expect good behavior if you haven't explained what good behavior is.
6. Toddlers are people too!
These golden rules apply to coaches who work with all ages of children. Three and four year olds will understand your objectives, what they must and must not do and can they can choose which games they want to play. You just need to keep your questions short and use very simple language.
Summary:
Good coaches don't need formal qualifications but they do need to be skilled communicators.
Think about how you speak to your players. Do you use their names? Are you friendly? Are you clear?
Do you listen to them and let them speak to you whenever they want to? Do they know what you expect of them and what they can expect from you?
If you want your coaching sessions to run smoothly, be productive and fun for everyone concerned (including you!) you have to plan and learn how to communicate.
