THE ROLE OF COACH COMMUNICATION IN IMPROVING ATHLETEPERFORMANCE

Abstract

Coach communication is an important and critical component in the process of coaching athletes. This article aims to analyze the strategic role of communication applied by coaches in an effort to improve athlete performance. Using a qualitative approach through literature study, this research examines various dimensions of coach communication, including instructional communication, motivational communication, and feedback. The results of this analysis show that effective communication, which can include clear instructions, empathy, psychological support, and constructive and timely feedback, significantly contributes to improving the technical, tactical, mental, and psychological aspects of athletes. Good communication not only facilitates understanding and execution of training or competition strategies, but also builds trust, increases intrinsic motivation, and strengthens athlete resilience. Thus, it can be concluded that a coach's communication competency is not merely a complement but also a core competency that determines the quality of the training process and the success of holistic athlete performance improvement. Coaches are advised to consciously develop their interpersonal communication skills as an integral part of their coaching methodology.