Professor Sophia Jowett’s has conducted a lot of research into understanding the interpersonal dynamics between coaches and athletes and is instrumental in raising awareness and changing attitudes around the reciprocity of the relationship and the importance of relational qualities including mutual trust, respect, appreciation, commitment, loyalty, co-operation and collaboration.

In today’s episode, part 4 of David’s investigation into ChatGPT’s and its response to the question “What Can I Expect When Working With A Sport Psychologist” he goes on to discuss supporting a coach who receives negative feedback from athletes or players.  The aim is to aid your understanding of applying psychological skills training (PST) techniques such as self- talk, relaxation and visualisation to improve the quality of the coach-athlete relationship, and in turn, positively impact both coaches’ and athletes’ performance and wellbeing.  There are connections between the points discussed and Jowett’s work.  Enjoy tuning in!

Key Learning Points:

• Coaches can benefit from being supported by Sport Psychologists too, not just athletes.
• As a coach understanding your own emotions and why they occur can benefit your relationships with athletes or players.
• When you experience negative emotions as a coach does your self-talk become judgemental?
• Instructional self-talk can benefit coaches to manage situations better.
• Allowing your self some space to breathe as a coach is useful and can help your behaviour management, as can improving your visualisation skills.

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To Listen to Related Podcasts To Help You Improve Your Understanding of Sports Psychology

Ep161: Paul Phillips – How to Create a Culture of High Performance in Professional Rugby Union

Ep166: Mark Bennett MBE – How To Help Athletes and Coaches Reflect On Their Performances

Ep180: David Charlton – How To Work With Team Units To Improve Culture In Teams

Ep209: Felix Lehmann – How To Create Better Decision Makers On The Football Pitch

Ep249: Dr Edward Hall - Understanding Workplace Collaboration In Coaching In Team Sports

Relevant Blogs And Resources To Help You Improve Coach Athlete Relationships

Online Course for Sports Coaches developed by Professor Sophia Jowett – Empowering the athlete: The coach-athlete partnership

The Mental Edge - Enhancing Coach-Athlete Relations

Blog: Why You Should Recognise The Power of Your Words

Blog: How to Stay Calm as a Coach in Big Matches

Blog: Helping Confident Coaches Progress