Communication Training
The Cue
Athletes live in a world of verbal cues “::WHISTLE::”
”Pass it”
”I got it!!”
“Stop!”
“Pay attention!”
”Relax!”
How is the brain suppose to process this and instantaneously know exactly what’s expected from their body.
As a coach, the job is to anticipate the situation before it happens, and prepare your athletes for that situation as best as you can. At the intense moments there’s no time to explain the “why”, the job has to be executed. When the verbal cue is given in the instance, rarely in a soft, quiet tone, the athlete has to instantly process what is told and react properly with their body in that moment.
How can we best setup our athletes for these moments?
The Current
Every split second is important, and staying focused in the present moment can make a significant impact. Our training focuses on performing movements that involve coordination across different sides of the body, blocking out distractions, and improving balance. This allows coaches to understand how the game can appear slower and helps them stay calm when analyzing situations and communicating with the team.
Weight of Words
Coaches often give instructions to players without realizing that these cues can evoke emotions in them. During training, we will discuss the language and signals used with players, and identify areas where we can make improvements to enhance the performance of the athletes.