Listening is a vital part of communication and it is essential to coaching. Of course you want your athletes to listen to you, but you too can learn from listening...listen to your athletes, to their parents, to officials.

Here are several listening techniques. They make it easy for people to express themselves in a non-threatening way, and to connect for each other. They also ensure that what is said is heard.

Attentive Listening

Listening starts with attentiveness. You are quiet. Your posture, facial expression, gestures, all indicate attention acceptance.

Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing is saying in your own words what you think the other person said, to see if it is what the person meant. It really helps to clarify understanding.

Bridging

From time to time you indicate that you are following what the other person is saying, by nodding or saying "uh huh" or "yes, I see."

Restating

You repeat the last portion of what the person said without changing anything.

Inviting Clarification

You request the person to expand on something he or she has said.