Why developing trust and a rapport with players is important

In psychologically safe environments, the relationship and dialogue between coach and athlete always runs both ways.

Players should feel their views and needs are listened to and valued by the coach. For this reason, trust is closely linked to the concept of communication.

Regular, clear and consistent communication with players forms a vital part of the trust-building process. A coach’s communication style should also be adapted to meet the needs and, where appropriate, preferences of the athlete.

Moreover, regular communication with players is vital to ensure that the closeness of the relationship is maintained. 

Coaches should also try to facilitate communication between players. Perceptions and feelings towards both the coach and other players are in a near constant state of flux and are likely to fade without continued effort on behalf of the coach.

Communication should also ensure that players are clear on their role within the team.

Role clarity is vital for players to feel settled and can prevent uncertainty or resentment towards the coach impacting their development.

When a player’s role within the team doesn’t meet their expectations or wants, then clear justifications for why and areas to work on to enhance their role can help maintain a player’s trust in the coach and perceptions that the coach is committed to their development.

Like trust, respect must be developed over time. It is important to acknowledge that respect needs to be earned and is given by players, not demanded by coaches.

Despite the need to build strong professional and often personal relationships with players, there is an almost imaginary line which should never be crossed.

This line is not always clear and is likely different for everyone. As a coach, it is our responsibility to set this and ensure it is not crossed so that respect is maintained. 

Support can be considered both in relation to emotional and pastoral support as well as a player’s belief that the coach has the ability to improve their performance.

"Clear and consistent communication forms a vital part of the trust-building process..."

I have heard the line "connection before correction" at numerous coach development and CPD events. However, this overlooks the fact that the "correction" - in terms of demonstrating the expertise necessary to support a player’s development - is a vital part of building the connection.

Even the most likeable coach will struggle to maintain the trust of the people he or she coaches if they do not have faith in his or her ability to guide their development.

Finally, the idea of cooperation is closely related to horizontal or shared models of leadership.

While traditional soccer leadership follows a top-down approach - with the coach, or coaches, often sole decision-makers - lessons can be learned from the leadership approach of the New Zealand rugby union team.

Under the ’All Blacks’ dual-management model, a group of players took ownership over decisions on areas such as training design and matchday gameplans, operating alongside the coaches.

Such an approach not only helps cultivate positive relationships between coaches and players, but can also lead to innovative ideas from the playing group, as well as giving them a chance to develop their leadership, decision-making and game understanding.

KEY TAKEAWAY

Building, and maintaining, a positive coach-athlete relationship is a complex and ongoing task.

It takes constant commitment and vigilance on behalf of the coach, as well as the player, as the coach-athlete relationship is in a constant state of flux.

Taking time to understand players, and maintaining a record of this information, is a vital component of the relationship-building process. 

However, coaches should also work to ensure that mutual trust, respect, belief, support, closeness, cooperation, communication, and understanding are maintained through their interactions with players.