The use of effective verbal communication is very important in coaching. Communication comes in many different forms, but it should always be positive and effective. Nobody responds to negative and critical communication. Communication is always a two - way process. Coaches should want to listen to players as well as talk and instruct. There are effectively two types of communication a coach might use, Verbal Communication and Listening and non - verbal communication.

Verbal communication:

• Communication is a two way process. Remember to listen as well as talk.
• Make sure your verbal communication is clear, concise, audible and to the point.
• Ensure it is always positive, encouraging and effective. Avoid technical jargon, negative comments, overt criticism, inappropriate language and sarcasm.
• Really listen to what the players have to say, ask questions, encourage their comments, thoughts and ideas.
• Effective use of the voice enabling players to hear and understand what you are saying. Vary the pitch, tone and pace of delivery. Sometimes football requires a calmness as well as generating excitement and desire. The pitch, tone and speed of delivery can help create the right kind of mood.
• Consider and plan what you want to say and the type of instructions and information you want to impart. Keep it short simple, avoid repeating and over elaboration.
• Communicating with individuals - for example the wingers individual responsibilities.
• Communicating with a group within the team - for example the back four or twin centre halves, working as a unit to mark and cover
• Communicating with the whole team -for example being positive, working hard, concentrating at set pieces, keeping the passing simple etc.
• Ask questions to check the understanding of players and encourage problem solving i.e "that was a good shot, but can you tell / show me a better way of shooting"
• Interact with your players. Talk with them to find out about their likes, dislikes, what inspires and motivates them.
• Recognise when you need to talk to an individual, without anyone else hearing and when you might want to talk to them within a group framework.
• Don't talk just to hear the sound of your own voice or look clever and knowledgeable.
• Don't talk at the players, talk with them i.e "Come on lads, we've got to raise the work rate and effort levels" Emphasise the TEAM not YOU , I or THEM! Remember there is no U or I in TEAM.
• Use humour - At the right times be prepared to share a joke and the dressing room mickey taking and general joshing.
• Develop and encourage players strengths. Don't focus on what they are poor at, can't do or are incapable of doing.
• Use facial expressions - a smile when providing verbal communication when things seem really serious can work wonders.
• Use eye contact - this is a very effective method of reinforcing communication, particularly in a one on one situation.
• Let others talk and share the communication burden. If you have an assistant develop a strategy where one of you maybe talks to the group about collective issues, i.e working harder, showing more effort, concentration, while the other talks about individual technical issues i.e switching play to exploit the oppositions sweeper system, wide players to deliver more near post crosses and getting one of the forward to make near post runs etc.
• Make sure you position yourself so that you can gain the whole groups attention when you are talking to a group. Position yourself so that everyone is in front of you and can see you. Think about the weather if talking outside. Would you want to or be able to concentrate on someone talking to you in the freezing cold in the rain or with the sun in your eyes?
• One of Sir Clive Woodward's strategies for his Rugby World Cup Winning Team was K.I.S.S. standing for - Keep It Simple Stupid!

Your ability to communicate with your players will to a large part determine your success as a coach