Leadership and Life Balance
How do I talk to my coach when something is not working?
Rhema Adelaja · National Champion & 4x DUX
I do not believe silence is a strategy. Prepare a respectful conversation before resentment builds. Use Fact, Feeling, Question: describe what happened in plain words, say how it affected you, then ask a question about what to do next. Ask for support early, before the system collapses.
The answer
- Decide what you want to say before you walk up to your coach.
- Fact: describe what happened, in plain words.
- Feeling: say how it affected you.
- Question: ask a collaborative question about what to do next, such as "What can I work on?"
- Listen to the answer. Then follow through on what your coach tells you.
- Ask for support early. Asking for help is not weakness.
If what is wrong is bigger than sport, talk to someone you trust, such as a parent, a guardian or a coach. You can also seek help from a qualified professional.
For information only. This is general information for student-athletes, not medical, legal, financial or professional advice. Talk to a qualified professional about your own situation. Terms
Rules and amounts change. Check the official source before you act. Last checked: 10 October 2026.