Effective Communication with Athletes: Coaching Beyond the X’s and O’s
#13 - Strength & Speed Coaching – Pursuing Your Best ⚡
Hey everyone, Preston here—welcome back to Pursuit PE.
Over the last few newsletters, we’ve tackled training mistakes, sport-specific programming myths, and the best ways to develop well-rounded athletes. But even the best training plan falls short if you don’t communicate it effectively.
Great coaching isn’t just about sets, reps, and sprint times—it’s about getting buy-in, building trust, and creating an environment where athletes want to work hard. That all starts with effective communication.
Today, we’re diving into the five biggest communication mistakes coaches make—and how to fix them.
1. Talking Too Much, Listening Too Little
The Problem: Some coaches overload athletes with information without checking for understanding. Too many words can dilute the message.
Why It’s an Issue: If athletes don’t feel heard or if instructions are unclear, they disengage. Communication should be a two-way process.
The Fix:
Keep cues short and actionable—less is more. Instead of long explanations, use concise, powerful coaching cues.
Ask open-ended questions to gauge understanding. Example: “What did you feel on that rep?” rather than just telling them what they did wrong.
Listen first, speak second. Sometimes, the most powerful coaching comes from simply understanding an athlete’s perspective before giving advice.
Key Takeaway: If athletes feel heard, they’re more likely to listen. Cut the fluff and focus on what truly matters.
2. Lack of Individualized Communication
The Problem: Every athlete is different, yet many coaches communicate with all athletes the same way. What motivates one athlete may not work for another.
Why It’s an Issue: Some athletes thrive on direct, high-energy coaching, while others need a more reserved, relationship-based approach. A one-size-fits-all style limits your impact.
The Fix:
Know Your Athletes – Some respond well to tough love, others need encouragement. Take the time to learn what works for each individual.
Adapt Your Style – Some athletes need direct feedback, while others benefit from a question-based approach that helps them self-correct.
Private vs. Public Feedback – Praise in public, correct in private. Athletes are more receptive to constructive criticism when it’s done one-on-one.
Key Takeaway: The best coaches adjust their communication to fit the athlete, not the other way around.
3. Failing to Establish Clear Expectations
The Problem: Athletes shouldn’t have to guess what’s expected of them—but many do. Lack of clear communication leads to confusion and inconsistency.
Why It’s an Issue: Without clear expectations, athletes may not understand your standards for effort, attitude, or behavior, leading to frustration on both sides.
The Fix:
Set Standards Early – Define expectations for effort, attendance, and behavior from day one. If they don’t know the standard, they can’t meet it.
Reinforce Daily – Repeat key messages consistently. The best coaches are redundant in the right ways.
Lead by Example – Your athletes will reflect your energy, preparation, and communication habits. Be the standard.
Key Takeaway: Clarity eliminates confusion. Set expectations early, reinforce them daily, and embody them yourself.
4. Giving Feedback Without a Clear Purpose
The Problem: Some coaches correct every little mistake, while others only give vague encouragement. Neither approach is effective.
Why It’s an Issue: Athletes need specific, actionable feedback to improve. Too much correction overwhelms them, and too little direction leaves them unsure of how to progress.
The Fix:
Be Specific – Instead of “That wasn’t great,” try “Let’s keep your knees driving forward on your sprint.”
Balance Positive and Constructive Feedback – Correct athletes when needed, but also highlight what they’re doing well. A 3:1 ratio of positive to corrective feedback is a good rule of thumb.
Ask for Athlete Input – “What do you think went wrong there?” helps them engage in their own development.
Key Takeaway: Good feedback is clear, concise, and actionable. Athletes should always know exactly what to work on next.
5. Not Creating an Environment Where Athletes Feel Valued
The Problem: Some coaches focus so much on performance that they forget about the people behind the athletes.
Why It’s an Issue: If athletes don’t feel valued beyond their results, they’ll be less motivated and engaged. Culture beats talent every time.
The Fix:
Build Relationships Beyond the Weight Room – Show interest in their lives outside of training. A simple “How’s school going?” builds trust.
Recognize Effort, Not Just Talent – Praise hard work, consistency, and leadership just as much as PRs.
Foster a Growth Mindset – Athletes should feel like their value isn’t tied to a single performance, but to their overall growth.
Key Takeaway: Athletes don’t just need a coach—they need someone who believes in them. Build trust, and the effort will follow.
Final Thoughts: The One Communication Change You Should Make This Week
You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight. Start by making one intentional change in how you communicate with athletes this week. Here are a few options:
#1: Cut your coaching cues in half. Keep it under five words.
#2: Ask one athlete, “What’s one thing you’d like more feedback on?”
#3: Notice an athlete giving great effort? Pull them aside and recognize it one-on-one.
Small changes like these compound into better communication, stronger relationships, and a more engaged training environment.
The best programs aren’t just built in the weight room—they’re built through trust, connection, and clear communication.
What’s Next in the Series?
Next up: Effective Communication with Sport Coaches
How to get sport coaches on board with Strength & Speed training
Building trust and collaboration for a unified approach
Avoiding common communication breakdowns
If this newsletter resonated with you, forward it to a colleague. Let’s keep building stronger, faster, and more engaged athletes—one conversation at a time.
Until next time—keep pursuing excellence!
– Preston ⚡️
P.S. Need More Help?
If you’re looking for personalized help implementing strength & speed training in your high school Strength & Speed program, I offer consulting for PE teachers and coaches. No pressure—just an option if you’re looking for hands-on guidance. Hit reply to learn more.