According to Performance Coaching International (PCI, 2012) the concept of coaching has been in practice for as long as the human race has been in existence. In ancient Greece and Rome, skills such as running, archery, horse riding and gladiatorial skills were all extensively trained with a view of improving (PCI, 2012). Like many coaches today, ancient Greek coaches were former athletes themselves and helped the competitors of their day achieve personal excellence (Levinson & Christensen, 1996). It is often said that behind every good sports performer is a good coach. Barker, et al. (2007) states that this is true with many great coaches today, who have admitted that they would not have been as successful if they did not have a good coach to help mentor and develop them. Coaching is not an easy term to define. American College of Sports Medicine maintains the following …show more content…
Communication is a central component of coaching and is “the act of expressing ideas, information, knowledge and feelings, as well as understanding what is expressed by others”. (reference) Chhikara (2013) suggests that “the success of any coach at every level of competition, is determined by his or her ability to effectively communicate with their athlete(s)”. Communication is essential for coaches to teach new skills, correct faults or solve problems, which is why it is important for coaches to have effective communication skills. Communication can be both verbal and non-verbal; Coaches communicate many of their messages through their voice, actions, facial expressions and body language. (think you are missing a word or reference here) States that verbal communication is one of the most effective means of communication between an athlete and coach and is the main method which coaches use. (Burton & Raedeke, 2008) (Federation, 2007)(Hargreaves & Bate,