A successful coach-coachee relationship

The French national archery team coach shares some insights on how to create and develop a successful coach-coachee relationship.

How would you define communication between an athlete and a coach?

It's the ability to successfully deliver a message. In sports, it is primarily about delivering technical messages. The goal is to assist the archer technically and find the right words at the right time for them to understand our intentions. This is essential regardless of the area of performance, be it technical, physical, or mental.

Additionally, there is the communication aspect related to the relationship in competition. It ensures that the shooter enjoys the competition and expresses themselves to the best of their abilities. The coach's objective is to help shooters know and accept themselves so they can adopt the right strategies under stress.

A successful coach-coachee relationship

Communication is pervasive in the field of training. How do you communicate in a group?

Indeed, managing a team in competition requires communication with each athlete individually as well as with the entire group. This management is learned through experience.

Did you already have the necessary tools at the beginning?

In training, we have tools for communication, conflict management, etc. However, it is on the field where we truly learn. I also believe that the way we address a group is mainly determined by the objective. If we are together today, it is to achieve a medal at the Olympic Games or in the World Cup. Therefore, all the communication associated with it is tied to that goal.

Is there a different way of communicating with a high-performance athlete compared to an aspiring or beginner athlete?

I believe that communication is universal and governed by personality types. What needs to be identified is the personality of each athlete and the group, as each personality has its own approach. Whether someone is introverted or extroverted, self-confident or not, there are strategies and words to be used or avoided. There is theoretical knowledge, but the richness of the profession lies in its practical implementation. Reformulating sometimes requires multiple forms.

A successful coach-coachee relationship

What have you specifically implemented to deal with these different profiles?

It is crucial to know the profile of each individual, understand how they react in competition, and then adapt the communication accordingly. With time and knowledge of each person, their functioning, and their acceptance, a certain form of balance and harmony can be achieved to be effective.

Let's explore this concept of phases a bit. How do you communicate differently with a beginner and someone more experienced?

In both cases, communication is necessary. With a beginner who has limited knowledge, we will naturally discuss less about the technical aspects. However, it doesn't mean we won't explain. As there is no expertise yet, we provide them with the necessary foundations, and once they acquire that expertise, we can delve into more technical and psychological aspects of competition and training.

Is it challenging for a coach to switch from one personality to another? Does it require a particular effort?

It depends. Coaches must identify their own coaching style. Some athletes' profiles may match our style, making it easier to adopt the right attitude. With others, it may be more challenging, especially under stress. It's important to remember that athletes are the ones who perform. Coaches need to adapt to their way of operating for them to perform well.

Have you encountered profiles that didn't suit you initially?

At the beginning of my career, certain profiles made me feel uncomfortable. Over time, I learned not to idealize champions and learned to live with their uniqueness. Everyone here has talent, and as a coach, you have to adapt and enhance it. Initially, I had an idealized vision of champions and expected everyone to fit that mold. It's important not to categorize everyone in the same way.

So, is it the coach's role to adapt to the athlete?

The athlete also has a role to play. Performance is what governs everything. However, to achieve optimal performance, a certain level of technical, physical, and mental mastery is required. Communication serves as a tool to enable the athlete to progress in these areas.

Is mutual trust fundamental to ensure effective and efficient communication?

Mutual trust between the athlete and coach is crucial because without it, honesty is compromised. Without honesty, both parties may deceive each other, and such deception is not accepted in competition. It is essential to establish a shared understanding of the relationship, align on goals, and engage in ongoing communication to move forward. In addition to the relationship that forms, respect also plays a significant role. I have been with some athletes for many years.

For instance, I followed one athlete closely for 17 years. When I started coaching her at the age of 16 until the end of her career, I witnessed a significant part of her growth and maturity. When an athlete comes in at such a young age, just beginning their practice, and eventually emerges as an Olympic medalist, the coach-athlete relationship goes beyond a professional association.

In your opinion, is it better to start coaching athletes as young as possible or wait until they are older and more mature in their performance?

Assuming that a strong mutual understanding is necessary for effective functioning, which requires spending time together, the earlier we begin, the better. When you have lived with an athlete for 10-15 years, experiencing failures and successes together, you develop a deep understanding. We know how we work and can choose the right words at the right time on any given day.

However, I have also competed with shooters whom I didn't work with daily, and we still managed to win medals because we had a shared goal and clear agreements on roles and responsibilities before the competition. But if we desire nuanced dialogue and, above all, trust, it takes time to build and nurture.

What other challenges do you face?

Beyond communication, there are challenges related to training organization, session planning, team dynamics, and competition. Communication is a broad term that encompasses various aspects. While communication is essential, training involves more than just that.

How do you create a shared experience? Does the relationship stay confined to daily training?

I have always set boundaries, meaning athletes have never visited my home or met my family. Perhaps it was to protect myself, as when I come home, I want to be in my own space. When boundaries are blurred, it can be difficult to address certain issues. However, sharing moments outside of training is crucial during training and competitions. We spend a significant amount of time together. I have always emphasized these moments because they contribute to the bond between a coach and an athlete or a manager and a team.

Supervising a group presents the challenge of balancing the time spent with each individual to avoid jealousy or tension. We strive to give everyone equal attention. However, with selections, those who are not chosen may not receive the same amount of time. It requires common sense and goodwill. Additionally, the coach's perspective differs from that of the athlete, as the athlete is used to everything revolving around their performance and may have a different outlook.

How do you address these frustrations?

Communication should be a two-way street, not limited to the coach-to-athlete direction. If anyone feels uncomfortable, it's important to gather around the table and have open discussions while respecting each person's personality and ideas. It's part of the process. We are all human, and when difficulties arise, it's crucial to address them promptly. If left unresolved, frustration and resentment build up, eventually surfacing at the worst possible moment, right before an important match or final, jeopardizing everything.

It's therefore essential to resolve any conflicts and thorny situations. Sometimes we can sense it when the athlete looks or expresses their discomfort, but other times it may go unnoticed or be discovered long after the fact. Sometimes athletes may focus on a detail that seems trivial to the coach, and it's important to revisit and clarify those situations. Understanding that certain attitudes or behaviors were misinterpreted or poorly received allows us to maintain trust while addressing the issue. No one is perfect, and it's necessary to be transparent and open with each other.

Moreover, negativity or discomfort can spread within a group, affecting the overall dynamics.

A successful coach-coachee relationship

To manage such problems, communication must flow in both directions. If someone is struggling, it's important to approach them, ask why they are in that state, and engage in a conversation. Dealing with top athletes can be challenging since they have high expectations and can be easily frustrated as they constantly strive for perfection. It's crucial to provide perspective, considering their progress throughout the season and understanding their goals, to find the right balance that allows them to perform their best during competitions.

Even though the group may face challenges, it can also be part of the solution. Often, there is a leader within the group, and identifying that individual is important. This leader may not necessarily be the highest-performing athlete, but someone who can take responsibility and effectively convey the coach's viewpoint or, conversely, represent the team's perspective to the coach without requiring a formal meeting. Establishing such a modus operandi is necessary, although it's important to recognize that leaders within a group can evolve over time. Having individuals with stronger personalities who can address and resolve issues among themselves, while involving the coach only when necessary, is beneficial.

A successful coach-coachee relationship? To sum up, addressing communication challenges goes beyond mere conversation. It involves effective training organization, planning, team dynamics, and creating a shared experience. By establishing trust, maintaining an open dialogue, and managing conflicts promptly, coaches can foster a positive and productive coach-athlete relationship that enhances performance and fosters growth.

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