Building a Coach Athlete Relationship

Fostering Success, Trust, & Growth

Ranjit Singh Malhi (M.S.)

CHIEF COACH FOOTBALL (Retd)
 Introduction
In simple words, relationship refers among two individuals or communities, the way they

INTERACT, CONDUCT, among themselves to achieve a COMMON GOAL and builds up a

conducive PSYCHOSOCIAL environment of EXCELLENCE, to ensure that they FULFIL

THEIR DREAMS and HARNESS their POTENTIAL.

Mutual trust, respect, belief, support, cooperation, understanding, are few of the most

important component which contribute to the success of an athlete.

 Introduction
But relationship is a COMPLEX PHENOMENON and DEEP INSIGHT is required to

understand its DYNAMICS.

COMMUNICATION, COMMITMENT, CLOSENESS, CO-ORIENTATION, CARE

INTERPERSONAL RELATION needs to be understood along with many other variables which

influences and determine the relationship of coach n athlete.

Closeness refers to the affective meaning that the athlete and coach ascribe to

their relationship trust, liking, respect.

Commitment is defined as coach and athlete intention to maintain the relationship

and therefore maintains the out come.

Complementarity represents the athlete and coach corresponding behaviour of

their affiliation reciprocal, Co-orientation includes inter personal perception and

reflect the degree to which they have established a common ground in their

relationship..
 Taxonomy
Athlete Center Philosophy Coach Center Philosophy
 Taxonomy

Lack of respect, blind obedience, excessive dominance, verbal and

physical exploitation dissatisfaction, loneliness frustration

disappointment conflict tension, disagreement, disrespect and

dissatisfaction not happy

 Conflict Examples
Domestic examples

• Manika batra vs Soumyadeep guilty of match fixing 2021

• Jwala Gutta and Gopichand

• Syed Abdul Raheem football coach

• Jorge Vilda vs women spanish players in women world cup 2023

 Enhancing Coach-Athlete Relationships
Relationship Tip 1 Tip 2 Tip 3
characteristic
Developing closeness Take time to provide Engage in small talk: Engage in teambuilding
praise, encouragement, remember each others’ and social activities that
support, and constructive birthdays, show interest in involve others (athletes,
feedback to each other activities that take place assistant coaches,
during training, outside of sport. parents).
competition, and non-
sport-related contexts.
Developing Ensure that you do not Be prepared to give up Listen and learn from each
commitment miss any competitions and your time to your other and set together
trainings and be on time. coach/athlete (for individual (and team)
Be mentally and physically example, stay longer on goals
ready for training (for the sport field to practice,
example, by being the receive/give instruction or
first to arrive and last to feedback, and
leave). schedule/attend extra
sessions).
 Enhancing Coach-Athlete Relationships
Relationship Tip 1 Tip 2 Tip 3
characteristic
Developing Establish clear team rules Ensure that both coaches Achieve a balance
complementarity and expectations (like a and athletes provide input between order and
code of conduct that and actively participate in freedom—provide a clear
coaches and athletes the training sessions. training or competition
know and understand, as structure.
well as the consequences
if rules or codes are not
followed).
Developing Ensure the goals are Be curious, ask questions Be sensitive and
co-orientation agreed upon by coaches and actively listen to each understanding of each
and athletes, are other’s responses. others’ needs; try to
understood by all and are understand each others’
in line with everyone’s views and perspectives.
capabilities, expectations,
hopes, and aspirations.
 Essential ingredients for cultivating and
maintaining healthy and fulfilling
relationships
1. Communication:
- Open, honest, and effective communication is vital. Sharing thoughts, feelings,
and expectations fosters understanding and connection.
2. Trust:
- Trust is the bedrock of any strong relationship. It develops over time through
reliability, transparency, and consistency in actions and words.
3. Respect:
- Mutual respect is essential. Treating others with dignity, acknowledging their
opinions, and valuing their individuality contributes to a positive atmosphere.
 Essential ingredients for cultivating and
maintaining healthy and fulfilling
relationships
4. Empathy:
- Understanding and sharing the feelings of others create a sense of connection.
Empathy promotes emotional support and strengthens the bond between
individuals.
5. Active Listening:
- Being fully present and engaged in conversations demonstrates that you value
and respect the other person's perspective. Active listening fosters understanding.
6. Appreciation:
- Expressing gratitude and appreciation for the contributions, efforts, and
qualities of others strengthens the relationship and creates a positive atmosphere.
 Essential ingredients for cultivating and
maintaining healthy and fulfilling
relationships
7. Conflict Resolution:
- Disagreements are inevitable, but the ability to resolve conflicts respectfully
and constructively is crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship.
8. Shared Values:
- Common values and beliefs provide a strong foundation for a relationship.
Shared principles contribute to a sense of alignment and unity.
9. Support:
- Being there for each other during both good and challenging times is a key
aspect of a supportive relationship. Emotional support fosters resilience and trust.
 Essential ingredients for cultivating and
maintaining healthy and fulfilling
relationships
10. Boundaries:
- Respecting personal boundaries and communicating one's own boundaries
contribute to a healthy dynamic. Boundaries help individuals feel safe and
respected.
11. Flexibility:
- Flexibility and adaptability are important for navigating the inevitable changes
and challenges that arise in relationships.
12. Compromise:
- Willingness to compromise and find common ground is essential for resolving
differences and making decisions that benefit both parties.
 Essential ingredients for cultivating and
maintaining healthy and fulfilling
relationships
13. Quality Time:
- Spending meaningful time together strengthens connections. Quality time
allows for shared experiences and the creation of lasting memories.
14. Positive Communication:
- Focusing on positive and constructive communication enhances the overall
atmosphere of the relationship. Avoiding negative communication patterns is
important for sustaining a healthy connection.
15. Humor:
- Sharing laughter and having a sense of humor can lighten the mood and
create a more enjoyable and relaxed environment.
 Essential ingredients for cultivating and
maintaining healthy and fulfilling
relationships
16. Shared Goals:
- Pursuing common goals and aspirations fosters a sense of partnership and
collaboration in the relationship.

17. Forgiveness:
- Forgiveness is essential for moving past conflicts and maintaining a healthy
relationship. Holding onto resentment can erode trust and connection.
Thank You!