How to communicate with coach better?

It's your age. Listen, I have a son who is a junior and he is in the same boat. You guys haven't grown up talking to people or even over the phone. Everything has been texting and instagram. Talking to coaches and other adults is just like running.... the more you do it the better you get. Just like driving too. Sorry to say but there is no shortcut, but that said, as soon as you take the first step then every time you do it you'll be surprised that it gets a little bit easier.

Trust me, we're not all that bad, we're just older :) Good luck.

It's good that you recognize the problem is you, not him. The other good thing is that it's much easier to fix your problems than someone else's. This sounds very fixable.

The solution: preparation and role play. Write down the questions you want to ask. Over a few days, add any questions you think of and eliminate questions that may not be useful. You want 3-5 main questions. For each question you keep, jot down 2-3 possible responses from your coach. Then write down questions that your coach might have for you. Think about how you would answer his questions, and write down a few bullet points. Practice asking your questions in front of a mirror, responding to the possible feedback, and answering your coach's possible questions. Use a watch to time yourself and make sure you're not rambling endlessly.

After you've practiced a few times, tell your coach you have a few questions about your running and doing your best this upcoming season, and ask him when would be a good time to talk for a few minutes. Do not bring your notes to your meeting, and have your questions memorized in case he tells you that right now is a good time. Take any feedback he gives you with a smile, no matter what he says. Don't try to ask him about anything he's not allowed to talk about, like other athletes or who gets to be on a relay team. Thank him for his time when you're done. Don't take more time than planned.

Good luck. Every job you ever get may involve doing something like this.

Or just have a conversation about something other than running to start.

Also, when he talks, rephrase what you understood him to say. This shows you are actively listening. A great skill to develop.

Luv2Run wrote:

Or just have a conversation about something other than running to start.

Also, when he talks, rephrase what you understood him to say. This shows you are actively listening. A great skill to develop.

Yes, keep it simple.

I had a very quiet coach who seldom spoke to the team let alone any of us individually.

But I wish I had tried to talk to him at an early age. He knew how to be a winner.

He was not perfect but he could have helped me. It's also a two-way street.