One of the most important aspects of the coach-to-athlete relationship is communication. Coaches must consider every athlete individually to decide the best form of coaching style for them. They must take into consideration their age, personality, ability, and goals (previously covered in series 1). We often assume that when girls sign up to a clinic, they will naturally make friends or have the confidence to go out and find them. However, this is often not the case. As a coach, you should be the first role model they feel comfortable and willing to form a relationship with. How you come across as a person, a leader, and the way you coach are all going to affect how your player feels towards you.
Not only should you as a coach form a strong relationship with your players, but you should also encourage your female players to form friendships with each other. Having friends in sports is important for self-growth and understanding. It enables people to be more compassionate and motivated towards each other and provides them with support when they need it most. So how do you encourage these relationships?
COACH-ATHLETE RELATIONSHIP STYLES:
AUTOCRATIC: This is when the coach tells their players to do something rather than have them listen. Coaches make decisions with little to no input from the player or players. An autocratic coach articulates a vision for what the players need to accomplish, and players are expected to perform. This coaching style is very victory-focused and typically features inflexible training structures.
This style of coaching works better in team sports and is generally preferred by older players to younger players. It is also most effective on players who have already formed a trusting relationship with their coach. Therefore, as a coach working with new women and girls, autocratic coaching style would not be effective!
DEMOCRATIC: This is when coaches facilitate decision-making and goal setting with input from players. Individuals receiving this type of coaching can often feel empowered and like they have control over their situation. Coaches with this style tend to only step up when their player’s progress has fallen off track.
This style of coaching works better in one-on-one settings with the player and coach. Although it may take longer to see desired results, this type of coaching style is a great way to explore all options of a solution- the right and the wrong!
HOLISTIC: Also known as “laissez-faire” coaching, holistic coaching is founded on the theory that a happy team naturally becomes a successful team. When employing holistic coaching methods, coaches offer very little in terms of structured training or positive feedback. Instead, the holistic coach works to create an environment in which players feel comfortable exploring and pursuing skills development on their own time and in their own way.
This coaching style works best for a selective few. It may be a style you use when working with 3–6-year-old girls whose skills and ability to play squash is not yet there. Incorporating fun games and having the lessons flow depending on how that child is feeling might just be the best way for them to finish the session with a SMILE.
BEYOND THE SQUASH COURT: Team friendships and coach-to-athlete support can extend far beyond the field. These positive adult-to-child relationships also have long-lasting impacts because they build up different protective factors that can increase a child’s ability to be resilient when facing challenges in life. Here are some ways in which your communication with your female players goes far beyond the squash court.
PARTICIPATION IN GROUP ACTIVITIES: Groups help to provide identity and ownership and can be great places to meet caring adults and juniors that help to guide positive experiences.
SELF-EFFICACY: Many children have a hard time saying “I can” when they face failure and obstacles. They need an adult to help encourage and build efficacy.
UNDERSTANDING STRENGTHS AND ASSETS: Some children need guidance to recognize their strengths and understand who they are and how they relate to the world around them.
- A COACH SHOULD GIVE WOMEN AND GIRLS A SENSE OF BELONGING WHEN PLACED IN A NEW GROUP ENVIRONMENT.
- A COACH SHOULD GIVE WOMEN AND GIRLS A THE CONFIDENCE AND SELF- BELIEF THAT THEY CAN ACHIEVE ANYTHING THEY PUT THEIR MIND TOWARDS.
