Communication Patterns Direct Demonstration and Verbal Instructions in the SMCR Program to Improve Coach-Athlete Relationships through Interpersonal Communication

This study aims to analyze the effect of two communication methods, verbal and demonstration, in the SMCR communication program on improving high jump ability and team communication effectiveness (SECTS). The research used a quantitative approach with a pretest–posttest experimental design using a paired sample t-test. The sample consisted of 10 athletes with varying Functional Movement Screen (FMS) scores divided into two categories: high FMS (≥18) and moderate (<18). The analysis results showed that both methods resulted in significant improvements in physical performance (high jump) and interpersonal communication (SECTS), with a significance value (p) <0.001 for both variables. However, the demonstration method provided higher improvements in athletes with high FMS, while the verbal method was more effective for the moderate FMS group. These findings indicate that the effectiveness of communication methods is highly dependent on the athlete's functional movement capacity. The discussion of the results shows that coach communication serves not only as technical instruction but also as a means of fostering cohesion and communication efficiency within the team. This implies that coaches need to consider the level of motor readiness and individual characteristics when selecting a communication approach. Integrating a pedagogical approach into a sports communication strategy can be key to optimizing the coach-athlete relationship and achieving maximum performance in training and competition.