The purpose of the skills trainer is to make the players become “amazing at the basics”. The sole focus is on developing players fundamentals to maximize the skill level of each player. Our goal is to make players reach their full potential.
Beyond the obvious, as skills trainers we’re in a special position standing in between the players and the head coaches. This gives us the opportunity to create a different kind of relationship with the players. We can be more personal and open with players that can create an unique player – coach relationship.Tthis in an important factor where we as skills trainers should invest a lot of time and effort in, you can only make a player reach his full potential once you created a bond of trust.
Trust means that players feel they can rely on you, and you can rely on players to do the right thing. You believe in the person’s integrity and strength, this means that as a coach you are also able of opening up and putting yourself in a vulnerable position. Players will respect your honesty with them and this creates a relationship.Trust is essential in an effective team, because it provides a sense of safety. When our players feel safe with the coaches and other players, they will feel comfortable to open up and expose vulnerabilities. Trust is essential for knowledge sharing.
Communicate, communicate, communicate, frequent honest communication builds trust. Trust is developed one day, one interaction at a time. The skills trainers should be approachable and friendly. People trust leaders they like.
Show support to your players, even when they make mistakes.
Building trust should be viewed as a daily priority of the skills trainer.
I connect with the quote from William Shakespeare:
“Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.”
Joerik Michiels is co-founder of Elite Athletes and is the Skill Director and soul of the Elite Academy.
Follow Joerik through instagram @joerik or connect at joerik.michiels@eliteathletes.be.
