Mental Coaching For Athletes And Communication

By Michael Davis


Competent coaches must know the responsibility they hold to ensure their athletes reach the best of their potential. By instilling a positive attitude and open to talk to, the athlete feels valued and appreciated boosting their self-esteem. The athlete will, in turn, give more of themselves and push harder as their enhanced confidence will give them more reason to believe in themselves. A coach should remain calm and be aware how put-downs, critical, sarcastic comments can undermine an athletes confidence. The coach should avoid shouting as it may undermine them in the eyes of the athlete and in general improve his Mental Coaching for Athletes.

Applying Psychology to Training- The art and science of psychology are used in the training realm. Understanding that there is both an art and a science in training will make you a more effective coach - a coach who can find more outcomes in more situations and for more clients. Some of the tools that clinical psychologists and therapists have used for years are now applied in training, and becoming a part of the coach's toolbox.

The best way for any coach to achieve this level of communication is to listen as well as talk. Show care for their athletes, support them through their challenges, difficulties, setbacks, and injury. Good feedback helps the athlete feel good about themselves, it will motivate, improve confidence and if the coach has belief in the athlete's ability, it will give the athlete belief in their ability.

The coach must get to know their athlete well, their likes and dislikes. When the coach is giving instructions, not only should those instructions be crystal clear, they should also be explained to the athlete why something is being done to give the athlete a clearer understanding and feel part of the plan.

To become a master of communication, the coach should develop positive action plans with the athlete and discuss any lessons which need to be ironed out or learn from any mistakes made. Positive communication between coach and athlete can help the athlete develop their best possible performance state. Non-verbal communication is just as important. Any facial expression or posture by the coach can be read by the athlete, even subconsciously. Be sure communication cannot be read wrong.

Avoid making last minute technical or tactical changes, giving complicated instructions, new moves or strategies. Often it is just a means of stress relief for the coach. Some athletes appreciate a word of encouragement or reassurance; many prefer to be left alone in the final moments before a performance to gather their thoughts and focus. Let the athlete know a coach is available, If they need any input, they will ask.

Psychology is a discipline designed to work with people who have problems, issues, or disorders, and coaching is used with people who are healthy, but who want to achieve more happiness or success in life. However, the psychology has been appropriated by the coaching industry and is commonly referred to as positive psychology. The psychology of coach principles in the 21st century includes this discipline which once was only used for people with mental disorders or diseases.

Well, for one thing, mentally trained golfers set themselves up to win on the golf course while club golfers, more often than not, set themselves up to fail. The average golfer will focus on what he doesn't want to happen (for example, avoid the trees) while the tour pro knows he has to focus solely on his target. Mentally tough players know how to channel the power of their subconscious mind to help them on the course.




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