Tip of the Month - October 2023
Importance of the Coach-Athlete Relationship
The relationship between coaches and athletes is vital in Sport as athletes depend on their coaches for guidance and support. One method to cultivate successful relationships is to use the "3+1Cs model", which suggests the "more an athlete and coach are satisfied with their relationship, the higher the quality of the relationship, and the greater the athletic outcomes."
Research shows athletes-coach relationships with high levels of closeness, commitment, complementarity, and co-orientation achieve better performance and overall outcomes.
The connection between coaches and athletes, therefore, is not only crucial but depends upon forming a meaningful relationship like many other ones, which is also essential in our daily lives. In sports, athletes engage in several relationships, such as coaches, assistant coaches, trainers, teammates, managers, etc. Athletes turn first to their coaches when performing poorly or winning due to the relationships developed with coaches, the key to their success and satisfaction because they spend after all most of their time with coaches. They rely on them for their expertise, guidance, and their judgment about selection for teams, competitions, or matches. Moreover, coaches play other central roles as mentors and motivators and can "provide a shoulder to cry on." Many elite and Olympic athletes have admitted that "there are times when you want to doubt yourself, but the coach is always there to comfort you." The connection between the coach and the athlete can thus influence much of their life. That is the reason the focus must be on developing an effective relationship (liking, caring for, and respecting each other) and successful (helping each other to win/be successful).
References:
Foulds, S.J., Hoffmann, S.M., Hinck, K., & Carson, F. (2019, December 4). The coach-athlete relationship in strength and conditioning: High-performance athletes' perception. Sports 2019, 7(12), 244. Centre for Sport Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences: Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia. Retrieved October 26, 2023, from https://doi.org/10.3390/sports71202 44
Shanmuganathan-Felton, V., Felton, L., & Jowett, S. (2022, October 28). It Takes two: The importance of the coach-athlete relationship. Frontiers for Younger Minds. Retrieved October 24, 2023, from https:kids.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3 38/frym.2022.676115