Being effective when coaching or training is something that can take practice and finesse but is invaluable when it comes to communicating with your athlete. These five simple strategies are designed help coaches and trainers become more effective teachers when working with classes or clients.
Speak Loudly and Clearly
Speaking from the diaphragm allows you to project to your classes without becoming out of breath.
Speaking from the chest can cause you to sound breathless during your training sessions.
Be Concise
In general, give the minimum amount of explanation possible when taking clients through a skill. Use effective cues and demonstration to get them to safely and correctly position themselves for the movement.
Be Aware of Body Language
Whether it’s with a group or with an individual, be sure to present yourself with confidence by maintaining good posture. Moving around the room during a class or watching a client perform a skill from different angles allows for correct assessment of movement.
Make It Interactive
Engage the athletes by asking them questions about the skill or workout. Even if their answers are incorrect, it still gets them thinking critically about what they are doing or about to do.