In order to build a good working relationship coaches in every level need to have positive interactions and build trust with athletes (Wills, 2017). Coaches should also build their self- esteem of their athletes which would lead to athletes knowing that their coach has confidence in their abilities and will provide continuing support to improve their skills (Jowett, 2013). One of the main aspects of a good working relationship is to become a great communicator which means listening to players when they are having a conversation and not blanking them out as this is a sign of a careless coach. Therefore, coaches should always listen to any concerns they have and recognising when an athlete is concerned about any issue and addressing the issue promptly (Hyber, 2019). This will show that athletes know that their coach cares about them on a personal level which leads to athletes showing respect and developing a good working relationship (Gels, 2017).
As a coach I have always worked on building a great working relationship with athletes as this is a quality of an effective coach and developing a positive working relationship with the athletes will allow me to see progress in sessions and benefits to their attitude towards me and teamwork in sessions. Bonding with athletes has also kept them motivated towards their goal and seeing them achieve their goals does make me feel great and happy for my academy athletes. I would also like to share an example of a situation which motivated me as a new coach to build my working relationship which was when a student athlete was upset and had a really bad day and was not paying attention in other lessons and was very fed up. I then approached the student athlete as I knew that this athlete enjoys my coaching sessions and we communicate well so maybe I could speak to him and change the situation, I then spoke to the athlete and had a one to one which stated why the athlete was fed up due to many reasons.I then spoke to the athlete for roughly 20 minutes which lead to the athlete feeling a lot better when leaving and also me strengthening my relationship with this athlete as I helped this situation. Therefore, I have learnt through my experience as a coach good working relationship do not just help in your sessions but can also help other coaches/teachers and students that are having a bad day.
I believe as a coach this is very important for a coach to build a positive relationship with athletes and why I believe this and Wills (2017) also states that this can benefit in many ways such as an athlete’s performance, attitude, motivation and their passion to turn up to sessions. As a coach I have developed this skill as my coaching sessions have a positive environment which leads to a successful team. I will continue to build positive relationships with the athletes to ensure sessions are successful and enjoyable.
Bibliography
Hyber. (2019, March 20). Relationships with athletes. 5 KEYS TO BUILDING A RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR ATHLETES, 27(4), 10-15.
Gels. (2017, September 18). Relationship as a coach. The Importance of a Strong Coach-Athlete Relationship, 23(4), 30-34.
Jowett. (2013, 4 1). Developing positive relationships. Loughborough University’s Dr Sophia Jowett provides an insight into the power of relational coaching in football., 10(2), 3-5.
Wills. (2017, June 6). Focus on building relationships. Why Coaches Need to Focus on Building Positive Relationships, 10(1), 1-5.
Syeds coaching experience 