The demanded capabilities to make great coach depends on the level where the coaching happens. Obviously, a great coach knows his or her sport, is passionate, and driven to learn new, despite the level of coaching. But what comes to the communication, one of the most important parts of coaching, operating on the top level is very different from coaching beginners and teaching them the basics of the sport. You don’t use similar teaching methods in elementary school and university, right?

Communication skills are one of the most significant distinguishing factor between coaches and great coaches. Great coach is aware of the level, goals, and personality of who they are training. They do not follow the same coaching pattern with each and every athlete, but adjust the communication and teaching methods by the subject. For instance, someone who is still in the beginning of their journey of becoming a great athlete might need more advices and verbal tips from the coach, whereas an advanced athlete might prefer work peace and more passive role from the coach.

Coach's work is to recognize the starting point, goals, and most suitable training methods for the athlete they are coaching and finally evaluate the results. As important is being able to guide, motivate, and inspire others to reach their full potential. How is all this done? With proper communication. o make the athlete understand why something should be done in a certain way because without a mutual understanding it is very hard to get people motivated.

A good coach knows what is best for the athlete in the big picture. But if the athlete doesn’t understand why something is done, it is like asking her to drive a car blindfolded and assuring that she’ll manage, she’ll find her way, even though the suspicion of failure is most likely the top thought in her mind.

For a coach who has several athletes to train simultaneously, it might be hard to find time to guide each and every athlete individually during the training sessions. An easy and proven solution is to arrange 1-on-1 discussion sessions with the athletes on a regular basis. Those doesn’t need to be longer than 20 minutes, but even that short period of time, could be the game changing moment for someone, who is insecure about his or her current goals, training methods, or motivation.

To make the discussions part of your regular schedule, try using WODconnect’s booking tool. Just create the wanted number of slots and start guiding your athletes to the right direction.