www.sportgvp.eu Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them (Project Number: 101133538). Techniques for Effective Questioning To maximise the impact of their inquiries, sports mentors can employ several effective questioning techniques. These techniques can be categorised into open-ended questions, probing questions, and reflective questions. ● Open-Ended and Reflective Questions: These questions encourage athletes to express their thoughts and feelings freely. For example, asking “How do you feel about your recent performance?” allows athletes to articulate their emotions and insights. Also, an example would be, “What did you learn from your last training session?” This encourages selfassessment and growth. ● Probing Questions: These questions dig deeper into specific areas of concern or interest. For instance, “What specific challenges did you face during the last competition?” helps mentors understand the athlete’s perspective and identify areas for improvement. Creating a Safe Space for Dialogue For questioning techniques to be effective, mentors must create a safe and supportive environment. Athletes need to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. This can be achieved through active listening, empathy, and validation of the athlete’s experiences. Active listening involves fully concentrating on what the athlete is saying, rather than merely waiting for one’s turn to speak. Mentors can demonstrate active listening by paraphrasing the athlete’s responses and asking follow-up questions. For example, if an athlete expresses frustration about a recent loss, a mentor might respond with, “It sounds like that loss was really tough for you. Can you tell me more about what you felt during the game?” This approach not only validates the athlete’s feelings but also encourages further dialogue. Utilising the GROW Model The GROW model is a widely recognised coaching framework that can be particularly effective for sports mentors. GROW stands for Goal, Reality, Options, and Will. By structuring conversations around these four components, mentors can guide athletes through a comprehensive self-discovery process. Performance Consultants. (2025, March 13). Performance Consultants | The GROW model. https://www.performanceconsultants.com/resources/the-grow-model/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
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