At Coached By Plez, we believe that success on the field is built not only through physical training, but also through strong relationships between coaches, players, and parents. The way we interact and communicate with each other plays a major role in the growth and development of our athletes—not just as players, but as individuals.
This week’s blog dives into how to manage these critical relationships, set realistic expectations, and create open lines of communication that will help everyone work toward a common goal: the success of the student-athlete.
Managing the Coach-Player Relationship
The foundation of any athlete’s success is built on their relationship with their coach. At CBP, we strive to foster an environment of trust and respect with every athlete. Coaches are mentors, role models, and sometimes disciplinarians—but most importantly, we’re here to help student-athletes reach their full potential.
Expectations:
We expect athletes to bring their best effort and attitude to every practice and game. As coaches, we promise to do the same. We’re here to guide athletes not only in sports but in life, so we expect honesty, hard work, and a willingness to learn.
How to Manage Conversations:
Players, don’t hesitate to speak up if you need something, whether it’s advice on improving your game or discussing more personal matters. We believe in keeping an open line of communication, so feel free to come to us with any concerns. Remember, how you approach a conversation matters. Be respectful, listen, and speak with intent. Coaches are here to help, but communication is a two-way street.
Tips for Players Seeking More Playing Time:
If you’re a player who wants more time on the field or court, it’s important to approach the conversation the right way. Start by asking your coach what areas you need to improve. Be prepared to take constructive criticism, and be patient—earning more playing time is a process. Asking “What can I do to help the team more?” shows maturity and a willingness to grow.
Managing the Parent-Player Relationship
For parents, your support is essential to your child’s success. But it’s important to understand that your role in their athletic journey isn’t the same as that of a coach. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Stop Coaching from the Sidelines:
Parents, one of the biggest ways to help your child succeed is to let the coaches coach. Cheering from the sidelines is great—yelling instructions is not. Mixed messages confuse players and can cause unnecessary stress. Trust the coaches to do their jobs, and focus on being a positive, supportive presence.
Managing Expectations and Accountability:
Most parents believe their child is exceptional, which is natural. But it’s important to remember that development takes time, and every player has areas to improve. Hold your child accountable the same way their coach does. If your child isn’t performing well or putting in the effort, it’s important for both the parent and coach to be aligned in setting the same high expectations for them.
If You Want to Know Why Your Child Isn’t Playing:
Instead of asking the coach directly why your son or daughter isn’t playing more, come to their practice for two weeks. Watch how they train, how they approach drills, and how they respond to coaching. This will give you valuable insight into their playing time and areas where they may need to improve.
Managing the Parent-Coach Relationship
The parent-coach relationship is a delicate balance. We understand how much you want to see your child succeed, but it’s important to respect the boundaries between being a supportive parent and interfering with the coaching process.
Boundaries and When Parents Cross the Line:
Sometimes, parents can unintentionally cross boundaries by overstepping their role. If a parent continually tries to tell the coach how to run the team, or undermines the coach’s decisions, it can negatively impact the player and the team. Trust that the coach has the best interests of all athletes in mind, and allow them to do their job without interference.
How to Manage Conversations:
If you have concerns or questions, schedule a time to talk with the coach privately. Avoid having emotionally charged discussions right after games or practices. Keep the conversation respectful, and be open to hearing feedback about your child’s performance. Our goal is to help your child succeed, and open communication between parents and coaches is key to making that happen.
The Player’s Role in Communication
For players, it’s crucial to learn how to communicate effectively—not just with coaches, but with parents and teammates as well. Developing strong communication skills will not only help you in sports, but also in life.
Speaking Up About Bigger Issues:
We know that athletes deal with more than just sports. If you’re struggling with stress, anxiety, or personal issues, it’s important to speak up. Coaches are here to support you both on and off the field, and having an open line of communication is key. Don’t be afraid to talk about the bigger issues with us—we care about your mental well-being just as much as your athletic performance.
Asking About Playing Time:
If you’re not getting the playing time you want, the best approach is to calmly and respectfully speak with your coach. The #1 question to ask should be, “What can I do better to get some playing time?” This question shows maturity, selflessness, and self-reflection. It demonstrates that you’re focused on improving and helping the team rather than complaining about the situation. A parent should be asking the same question to the kid and putting the ball in their court instead of having an ego-centric mindset of "my baby should be playing.
In contrast, a selfish response—such as complaining to teammates or making excuses—will not earn respect from your coach or teammates. Taking ownership of your role and showing a willingness to work harder will leave a much stronger impression on your coach and can lead to more opportunities on the field or court.
Final Thoughts: Building a Stronger Team Through Communication
At CBP, we believe that strong relationships between coaches, players, and parents create the best environment for success. By managing expectations, communicating effectively, and respecting boundaries, we can ensure that every athlete has the opportunity to thrive both on and off the field.
We all want what’s best for our athletes, and that’s why it’s so important to work together as a team—parents, coaches, and players alike. Let’s continue to build trust, respect, and open communication as we guide our athletes to success in sports and in life.
Until next week!
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