As a coach we also need to be able to analyse if our verbal communication skills are suitable, positive and useful. To help you analyse and understand we have designed a coaching communication analysis template for you to use at coaching.

The objective of the coaching communication analysis template is to enable you as a coach to analyse verbal coaching behaviour and see how it can impact on a coaching session. One way to use the coaching communication analysis template is to watch another coach, with their permission, and record the number of examples that they used the various forms of communication outlined. Very simply add, a + or - in the analysis box every time a good or bad example happens. At the end of the session you will very easily be able to see and analyse their coaching communication skills. With this information, you will be able to see what is and what isn't effective verbal communication skills within coaching.

It would also prove very useful for someone - preferably another coach - to analyse one of your coaching sessions in the same way.

One of the key areas that you might want to consider when analysing coaching communication is how it is so much more effective to provide verbal information that delivers specific information, words of encouragement, positive and rewarding comments, motivational elements and the use of humour. You should be looking to provide more than just an ongoing commentary or overall organisational comments.

Remember: Instruct, don't commentate

The coaching analysis form is a simple coaching tool and does not provide the opportunity for observations on tone of voice, coaching position, timing and duration of comments, or the use of non-verbal behaviours (e.g. smiles, thumbs up, clapping). You can always add to these areas yourself if you wish.

Ensure that you encourage your players to communicate, both with you and each other. But make sure you listen if they have something to say!