Insights on coach-coachee relationship
The National Head Coach of the French Olympic Archery Training Program shares his insights on the coach-coachee relationship.
Sometimes coach and coachee separate. How do you explain it?
In a relationship, you get to know each other and accept each other. But there comes a point where you are no longer on the same page. It can also be the athlete who believes that changing coaches will be better. Then they realize that the coach they had was performing well. Sometimes you have to go elsewhere to find out. I come from the old school. I think we too quickly resort to easy changes and criticism.
There are great times and tough ones that you sometimes have to overcome together to progress further. The temptation to change is sometimes driven by the desire to avoid taking responsibility for potential failures. Often, a good explanation and restarting on a solid foundation can be beneficial for both parties.
During your career, have you ever felt the need to change your approach?
In general, it has not changed. However, after 20 years of coaching, I inevitably have a better understanding of my own functioning and a better knowledge of others because I have worked with many athletes. I have gained expertise that allows me to be more effective today. Each Olympic cycle and preparation is unique, as are the athletes. It requires constant adaptation, self-questioning, and rebuilding a project. This brings great richness to the profession, but also to the athletes, as I can draw on concrete examples when communicating with them. It's part of the skill set. They say that history is an eternal restart. So, the more experience you have, the better. However, one should not dwell on nostalgia or repeat past events. You always need to focus on what lies ahead and on what needs to be done every day.
Some coach-coachee relationships have an intuitive understanding. Is this a form of communication you aim to achieve with your athletes?
Indeed, communication is not limited to verbal exchanges. Over time, we develop a code with the individuals we work with. There is satisfaction in seeing the messages getting through, being implemented, and yielding results. The coach takes pleasure in the efficiency of the strategies employed by the athletes. When you achieve that level of harmony, there is a sense of accomplishment.
Do you believe this progression through different phases is common to all coaches?
I believe that all coaches today should recognize the importance of communication in their profession. This can sometimes cause challenges for foreign coaches. Initially, the novelty and expertise overshadow any issues, but once everyone reaches the same level, the difference lies in the ability to exchange ideas. A foreign coach who is unfamiliar with the culture or even the language may encounter difficulties.
During your discussions with other coaches, do you find that you encounter similar challenges?
We work with human beings who possess different personalities, and these personalities can be found in archery, as well as in other sports.
High-level athletes can get injured. Is this phase particularly sensitive and does it require a different approach on your part?
When an athlete gets injured, especially before the start of the season, we might tend to overlook them, whereas they need support and guidance. Preparations should be organized in advance, including psychological support and assistance from another coach. Maintaining contact becomes crucial when they are abroad. It's a delicate balance because, for the injured athlete, everything revolves around their injury, while the coach needs to continue progressing with the team. The athlete should not feel abandoned and, as soon as their health allows, they should be reintegrated into the group.
You mentioned pre-season injuries. Is there a difference when an injury occurs during the season?
I find it more challenging when there are deadlines and stress associated with competitions compared to other periods of the season when everyone is focused on training. During the season, there is added frustration for the injured individual, as they are unable to perform as they would like. However, they can still engage in training to some extent, depending on their condition, whether it's physical or mental preparation, and maintain a connection to the high level. When an athlete gets injured, there is a tendency to withdraw and cut off communication. That's where the difficulty lies. Sometimes they wait too long to disclose their injury, which prolongs the treatment and rehabilitation process. Nothing must be left unsaid.
Furthermore, isn't it part of our training to push athletes beyond their limits, including enduring pain?
Training is indeed demanding, and there may be some discomfort involved, but athletes should feel comfortable expressing themselves and then assessing whether the pain they experience is acceptable or not. Constant and open communication should be encouraged. It doesn't mean spending hours in the coach's office every day, but athletes should know that the door is always open and that no topic is off-limits.
Next read: https://mentalaccelerator.com/resource/purpose-vision/what-are-the-mistakes-in-mental-training