How do you define coaching success?

You can define successful coaches by their win- loss records, the number of seasons or years at a particular school college or team and by the number of players who have transitioned to the next stage (college or NFL). Inevitably, they might be defined by a combination of all these.

The “technical” aspect of coaching heavily influences success on the field. Strong technical foundations and a detailed awareness of the Xs and Os are critical if the coach is to effectively teach technique and tactics and transition these from the practice field to the competitive stage.

But are technical know-how and on-field success the only benchmarks for success?

Coaches who are technically/tactically strategically sound are more likely to develop athletes who are competent enough to achieve a good level of performance success in their chosen sport. How much ‘more likely’ could depend on the quality of the coaching relationship.

Coaches who can connect to and create high-quality relationships with their players are more likely to transfer information across to their players in a manner that is tailored, relevant, understood and applied in practice. High-quality relationships help the coach identify player potential and develop performance attributes essential on and off the field.

Effective coach-athlete relationships are holistic and emphasize the positive growth and development of the player and as a person. Basic ingredients of the coach-athlete relationship include empathy, understanding, honesty, support, liking, acceptance, responsiveness, friendliness, cooperation, caring, respect and positive regard

Research suggests that high-quality coach-athlete relationships are built on a foundation of Cs. Look at each “C” and consider how well you integrate these into your relationships:

• Closeness:  Describes the emotional tone of the relationship and reflects the depth of the emotional attachment. Coaches and players’ expressions of like, trust, respect and appreciation indicate a positive interpersonal and effective relationship.
• Commitment: Is viewed as a cognitive representation of a connection between the coach and the player and reflects a desire to maintain the relationship over time.
• Complementarity: Defines the interaction between the coach and player that is perceived as cooperative and effective. It is often reflected in behaviors such as responsiveness, friendliness, willingness, and ease.Think about your coach-athlete relationships and evaluate how successful you are. Identify opportunities to enhance the quality of your relationships and notice the difference, over time, in player performance on and off the field.

 

Think about your coach-player relationships. Identify opportunities to enhance the quality of your relationships and notice the difference, over time, in player performance on and off the field.

Sarah McQuade is an independent coach education consultant, owner, and director of e.t.c coaching consultants and co-director with The Coach Learning Group. To learn more about accessing how-to coach skills workshops, click the Coaching Skills button at www.etcoachingconsultants.com.