Importance of communication in coaching?

Effective communication is crucial in coaching, and it requires both timing and empathetic engagement. Paul Assaiante, a celebrated squash coach, highlights that understanding when to communicate is vital. For instance, immediately after a loss, athletes might be too upset to absorb constructive feedback. Instead, showing empathy, such as putting a hand on their shoulder and acknowledging their struggle, can be more impactful at that moment 1.

Moreover, Assaiante stresses the importance of being present and continuously communicating, especially about failures. Addressing why something went wrong and discussing possible improvements can turn setbacks into learning opportunities. Additionally, he notes that as a coach, you must consistently repeat constructive messages to drive growth and improvement, ensuring that these messages are delivered in a non-critical and constructive manner 2.