Effective Team Communication Tips For Soccer Coaches
Communication will be the foundation of every single relationship you will have in your life.
Without effective communication there is the possibility of misunderstandings problems & perhaps conflicts between coaches & players.
Poor communication between the coach & player can lead the player to have bad experiences on the pitch
Interaction is vital with your team mates and more importantly your coach.
1. Limit distractions and listen
Two ears one mouth so we should listen twice as much as we speak.
Listening is the key effective communication but it’s not always easy.
Limit distractions during the coaches discussions / Someone on the team who constantly talks or interrupts.
Keep your distance and make sure the coach/player has your full attention.
Internal player & coach distractions can also influence communication between you the coach and your team.
Remember communication is a two way street establish a give and take attitude.
2. Be responsive
Be willing to accept you don’t always get it correct so be open and honest when communicating.
3. Ask the correct questions
So much of communication relies on everyone getting the correct information needed to carry out the task on the pitch.
The answer is within the questions you ask so be precise with information break it down and make it easy to understand.
4. Team meetings/ discussions
Make the most of these as they can be notorious for time wasters if not planned thoroughly Distractions players taking the conversation in a different direction.
Be thorough stick to your agenda and get your points across.
You need your foot soldiers to deliver your message on the pitch.
Encourage input and question answers from all players involved.
5. Combine communication methods
Face to face communication individually can be vital.
Sometimes players struggle to take effective commands in a group scenario they may need that One to One chat to grasp what it is you are exactly wanting.
Don’t assume they know we all learn in different ways so be sure you know how to get the best from individuals.
6. Good customer service
Players in effect are your customers Its your product are you selling it effectively and are they buying into your communication properly.
Are you getting your message across Your Philosophy style of play are the players taking your message into the pitch.
If they aren’t is the problem coming from your communication methods.
7. Use feedback
Communicating with players results in feedback and this can be a goldmine of useful information even if you don’t always think that.
It’s vital that you also listen as after all your asking your players to listen to you.
What process do you use for collecting info from players? In 1 ear and out the other?
Ultimately communication skills are going to be the most vital tool in your box if you can’t get your message across your definitely going to struggle to have an effect on your players.
8. Analyze how you communicate
Both individually ( You ) and as a team.
Is your information constructive precise & clear.
Do you communicate at a level your players understand.
Provide different methods of communication players don’t always have the confidence to discuss face to face and feel more confident discussing in groups or by other methods.
Your responses through communication should be quick & thorough.
Would you walk a mile in your players boots ? Would they do the same for you?
Ultimately focus entirely on the relationship between you and your squad of players.
Is yours and the teams communication channels working properly because if they aren’t the product can’t and won’t function properly
Overview
Team communication – Am I precise with my info?
Do my players understand what I want and how it should be carried out?
Do I listen to feedback / Good or bad?
Communication methods / Are they clear to my players/Squad?
Article By: Brian Sproul
UEFA A license accredited coach with over 12 years’ experience coaching at Professional club academies in the UK. Formerly Raith Rovers & St Mirren FC and now Currently coaching with Kilmarnock FC
Comment below with your thoughts on effective ways to communicate as a coach to your team.
