Be an Elite Coach, Build Elite Athletes

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By Isaac Leung, Athletic Skills

Hey reader,

This is an important one.

Us as coaches are role models and our athletes come to see us.

So we must engage and set the energy levels for the session.

Here is why.

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Setting the Tone: How Coaches Shape Sessions with Language, Energy, and Engagement

Ever felt like your athletes weren’t fully engaged in a session? It might not be their effort—it could be your tone. As a coach, the words you choose, the energy you bring, and how you engage with your athletes shape every moment of the session.

Your tone sets the foundation: it can inspire effort, instill confidence, and foster a positive learning environment—or it can unintentionally lead to confusion, disengagement, or hesitation. Here’s how to master the art of setting the tone, whether you’re leading a team or working one-on-one.

Why Tone Matters

Your tone establishes the culture of the session and impacts three key areas:

1️⃣ Athlete Engagement: Athletes are more likely to buy into the session when they feel your energy and purpose.
2️⃣ Athlete Confidence: The way you deliver feedback can build self-belief or create self-doubt.
3️⃣ Session Flow: A coach with strong direction ensures athletes stay focused and motivated throughout.

Athletes feed off your energy—your language, body language, and tone of voice create the environment in which they perform.

Core Elements of Setting the Tone

1. Language That Motivates

The way you communicate can inspire confidence or create uncertainty. Words matter, and how you frame feedback can significantly influence an athlete’s mindset.

💡 Tips for Effective Language:

• Use phrases that reinforce effort: “That was a great start—let’s develop it further.”

• Replace negatives with constructive guidance: Instead of “Don’t let your hips drop,” say, “Keep your hips level to stay balanced.”

• Keep instructions short and actionable. Athletes process better when feedback is clear and concise.

2. Energy That Inspires

Your energy can elevate the entire session. Whether it’s high-intensity drills or technical skill work, your enthusiasm and presence guide how athletes respond.

💡 Tips for High-Energy Coaching:

• Voice: Use variation in tone—be calm and precise during technical drills, but louder and more enthusiastic for high-energy work.

• Body Language: Stay animated and engaged—make eye contact, use gestures, and show that you’re as invested as they are.

• Intensity Matching: Bring the right energy to match the session’s purpose. For a high-energy warm-up, be lively; for reflective skill work, stay focused and composed.

3. Engagement That Connects

Engagement goes beyond participation; it’s about creating a connection with your athletes. When they feel seen and heard, they’re more likely to stay focused and motivated.

💡 Tips for Engagement:

• Check In: Ask athletes how they’re feeling before the session starts. This sets the tone for open communication.

• Ask Questions: Use prompts like “How did that feel?” or “What can we adjust here?” to create collaboration.

• Adapt: Pay attention to athletes’ body language and mood, adjusting your approach to match their energy or lift it when needed.

Team vs. Individual Sessions: Adapting Your Tone

Team Sessions

Key Focus: Build collective energy and unity.

💡 Team Coaching Tips:

• Start with a strong opener—like a motivational talk or a fast-paced warm-up—to get everyone focused and excited.

• Use inclusive language: “Let’s work together to improve,” or “This drill is about how we support each other on the field.”

• Rotate your attention: Engage with different players throughout the session to maintain group-wide involvement.

Individual Sessions

Key Focus: Personalise your approach to the athlete’s needs.

💡 Individual Coaching Tips:

• Begin with a check-in: “How are you feeling today? What’s one thing you’d like to work on?”

• Use personal language: “Your quickness has improved—let’s build on that by focusing on foot placement.”

• Provide consistent feedback: Focus on detailed, actionable guidance while celebrating small wins to maintain motivation.

Key Takeaways for Coaches

1️⃣ Your Tone Shapes Everything: Language, energy, and engagement are your most powerful tools for setting the session’s culture.
2️⃣ Adapt to the Session Type: Teams thrive on collective energy, while individuals need personalisation and detailed feedback.
3️⃣ Consistency is Key: Whether you’re coaching one athlete or a group, your tone should always reflect preparation, confidence, and enthusiasm.

Want More Coaching Tips?
Reply to this email with “MENTOR” to receive personalised strategies for refining your communication, energy, and engagement to elevate your coaching impact.

Speak soon,

Isaac 🙂 

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