#13 – Effective Communication with Athletes: Coaching Beyond the X’s and O’s

Pursuit PE Podcast

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#13 – Effective Communication with Athletes: Coaching Beyond the X’s and O’s

Pursue Your Best ⚡️

Preston Pedersen

Feb 19, 2025

Transcript

In this episode, we shift from programming and training mistakes to one of the most important—but often overlooked—aspects of coaching: effective communication. Even the best training plan falls short if you can’t connect with athletes, earn their trust, and create an environment where they want to work hard. This episode covers the most common communication mistakes coaches make—and how to fix them.

Main Takeaways

Talking Too Much, Listening Too Little – Keep cues short and actionable. Less is more when giving feedback.
Lack of Individualized Communication – Every athlete responds differently. Adapt your style to match their needs.
Failing to Establish Clear Expectations – Set standards early, reinforce them daily, and lead by example.
Giving Feedback Without a Clear Purpose – Feedback should be specific, actionable, and balanced between correction and encouragement.
Not Creating an Environment Where Athletes Feel Valued – Build trust by recognizing effort, fostering relationships, and creating a growth-focused culture.

Link to Full Newsletter

Effective Communication with Athletes: Coaching Beyond the X’s and O’s

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