Coach-coachee relationship
So many factors impact performance, and one of them is the bond between a coach and an athlete. They form a duo, a relationship that can begin from an early age. Let's explore the coach-coachee relationship:
From frustration to fulfillment
Sandra remembers her beginnings vividly. "When we arrive at the training center, we are quite young, and we are not familiar with how things work. So, we pay close attention to what the coach is going to say and how the training and competitions will unfold," explains the 16-year-old rising star archery shooter from Oregon.
At this stage, the athlete is like a child who needs to absorb knowledge and build themselves. "You can shoot well, and become the Junior World champion, which is great, but you still have so much to learn. You cannot solely rely on your achievements; instead, you must have a hierarchical relationship where certain things are imposed upon you. It's not always easy. Some struggle with the hierarchical and educational aspects of childhood. However, going through this is important."
"Once the coach-coach relationship begins, a dialogue starts. We can exchange ideas, but the coach still leads according to their vision for us. As you grow into an adult, it becomes a daily exchange between the two, fostering a peaceful and constructive dialogue that allows everyone to flourish."
Coach and training
Before reaching this peer-to-peer relationship, a long process is necessary. It's a process where daily dedication is essential. Like any discipline, archery requires a strong work ethic and unwavering commitment. Learning the correct gestures, mastering them, and repeating them endlessly is crucial. This way, the bow becomes an extension of oneself, and shooting becomes an instinctual action. Beyond the physical aspect, training also establishes routines and codes.
"Our coach was always there for us during training. He was fully involved. Training refines what you will use in competition. If he says something that bothers us, we let him know, requesting alternative formulations, as what disturbs us during training will likely have the same effect during competitions. Training is constant, and there are specific sessions where you simulate a match situation with the coach observing from behind."
The coach evolves with the athlete
"With our coach, we competed a lot together. I can't give you an exact figure, but over 10 years, we must have spent more than a year competing or training together. This shared experience of failures, successes, and parallel journeys formed the foundation of our relationship. Trust is built gradually.
A relationship of trust
These seemingly small moments of attention and exchange hold significant importance for fostering mutual understanding and, consequently, performance.
"Effective communication with the coach is crucial because it's based on trust. During a major competition, for example, in archery, you need to remain 100% focused throughout, which can span a day or even a week. It's easy to lose focus. If you're alone, you might struggle to analyze and regain your focus. In archery, you shoot between 9 and 15 arrows, and once you complete that set, your competition might be over; it happens so quickly. This is where trust between coach and athlete plays a vital role."
During competitions, athletes often experience high levels of stress. Marc had a knack for managing stress well. Sandra recalls, "I remember when we were shooting for the bronze medal, he said, 'I know you're stressed out, so give me your stress. I don't care if I shake; I'm not the one holding the bow.' I'll always remember that sentence. While techniques are crucial, his calm demeanor and ability to choose the right words at the right time mattered the most."
More than sport
Excellence often goes beyond physical abilities. Sandra admits, "There were also moments of conflict; it wasn't always smooth sailing because I have a hot temper," she laughs. "I tend to get upset quickly, and sometimes I would take it out on my coach since he was right there. But in the end, he understood and would give me 5-10 minutes alone. Once I had calmed down, we would discuss it."
Coach-athlete relationships can be challenging at times.
"Mickael does things his way. If he doesn't feel like going to training, he won't."
Mickael is a free-spirited individual who needs discipline but also outlets to release pressure and relax. "The reason why our partnership with Mickael has been successful for the past three years is that I am no longer afraid. If they say something that doesn't suit me, I speak up. When I mention this lack of fear, it's a sign of maturity. You gain this confidence when you reach a certain level."
Despite their differences, they understood each other and managed to establish a "strong working relationship" rather than a friendship. They learned how to communicate effectively. The relationship between a coach and their athletes is a delicate balancing act, requiring a combination of firmness, conviction, gentleness, and empathy. The coach must truly understand the person they are working with. It takes time to determine if someone needs direct communication or a more balanced approach. Adaptability is key.
Next read: https://mentalaccelerator.com/resource/confidence/gym-class-trauma-testimonies