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Sports coaching
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- 2. COACHING TYPES Authoritarian coach Strict Punishes frequently – good team spirit when winning, falls apart when losing Handles being ‘hated’ in order to have respect Business-like coach Not people oriented Keen on seeing the job done Expects 100% effort at all times ‘Nice-guy’ coach Athletes sometimes take advantage of personable, cooperative nature Gets on well with athletes of similar temperament who are already self disciplined Intense coach Transmits anxiety through an uptight attitude Usually focused on the quality of performance and results ‘Easy going’ coach Casual or submissive Gives the impression of not being serious
- 3. COACHING TYPES There areadvantages and disadvantages to all styles, but all can be successful. Coaches have a natural approach which is generally a combination of the above. Style must be adapted to suit the coaching circumstances eg the authoritarian coach would not be suitable for performers who need encouragement in developmental stages and the ‘nice-guy’ coach would struggle with a senior team working towards a premiership. Coaches will appear false in a style that is not suited to them. All of the above styles will need to be used at some time One feature must always be present – be positive and encouraging at all times.
- 4. THE RESPECTED COACH Therespected and effective coach will be: Instill the highest ideals and character traits into their players Be enthusiastic and show enjoyment of coaching Be self-confident, assertive, consistent, friendly, fair and competent Have a sense of humour Have a thorough knowledge of the rules, techniques and tactics Have a basic understanding of first aid Be dressed appropriately Be a role model Maintain discipline Be organized (for sessions and the year) Be able to justify, if necessary, why things are being done, or be ‘big enough’ to ask for suggestions when not sure.
- 5. THE COACH’S SKILLS Thecoach must be able to: Organising As well as efficient and effective practices, the whole competition season is essential. It should be based on knowledge and planning. Observing The coach should be aware of what is happening at all times. This provides info for what athletes need and changes that need to be made. Observation can be improved and refined. Analysing Coaches continually observe and evaluate performances. Act on a number of errors, not simply one. Offer correct and effective advice or credibility will be lost. If more than one error exists, eliminate the one resulting in greatest improvement. Analysing will improve over time. Communicating Improving performance is largely reliant on communication, not only verbal, but listening and appropriate non-verbal communication (such as body language) Improving performance The major role of coaches. Advice and guidance is essential. The coach will need to make adjustments to training programs, add new elements and continually evaluate performance.
- 6. COACHING CHILDREN FORFUN & SUCCESS Social growth and development characteristics should be taken into consideration when planning: Allow children to contribute to their own learning Focus on individual needs Develop basic skills Include a variety of activities and challenges Cater for children of different backgrounds Encourage everyone to perform to the best of their abilities Protect children from the likelihood of failure Contain a balance between activity and rest
- 7. KEEPING CHILDREN ONTASK Keep children on task by: Limiting instructions and making them simple and precise Allow plenty of time for practice Plan variety and achievable activities Give precise and immediate feedback without highlighting mistakes Include adequate rest breaks, children have short attention spans Be a role model
- 8. PLANNING A PRACTICESESSION It is essential that coaches thoroughly plan each practice session so it is enjoyable, profitable and maximizes time available. This applies to all levels of sport – under 8’s to elite. Types of sessions the traditional Technique Approach A new skill is explained, demonstrated and practiced. The focus is on fundamental movement patterns, progressing from simple to complex. Athletes are observed and corrections suggested. Game Sense Approach. Uses games as the focus of sessions. Players are encouraged to develop skills within a realistic and enjoyable context, rather than practiced isolation. Technique is important in an overall skill, Game Sense argues that technique needs to be practiced with other factors also involved. Athletes become tactically aware and better decision makers. More on Game Sense in Chapter 3. You will need to consider the merits of both. Before planning individual sessions, make an overall plan of eventual outcomes, listing skills rating them from easy to hard.
- 9. STEPS IN PLANNINGA SESSION The aim of training is to prepare the athlete for competitive performance. Always evaluate physical and mental states of athletes for optimal learning time and training intensity. Evaluate sessions immediately following it and consider the aspects of the next session. Be aware of and evaluate resources available Plan explanations and demonstrations of skills, decide activities and teach progression. You should aim for 60 – 70 % success rate, below this means it is to hard, above it means it is not challenging enough. Encourage athletes to be involved in planning Be aware of varying standards in groups and accommodate for this, use small groups if needed Be flexible and cope with unexpected factors. If it is not working, change it immediately.
- 10. Beginning coaches suggestions: Planso activities flow smoothly, have equipment close and develop routines Read books and manuals Drills and minor games can be easily adapted from other sports Over plan rather than under plan High activity is best, use small groups Avoid activities eliminating athletes, they usually need it Plan for 60 – 70 % success rate Encourage independent work and self evaluation
- 11. ELEMENTS OF APRACTICE SESSION Pre-practice briefing A short time where the coach explains the goals of the session and sets the appropriate tone. You may use a board or do it verbally (remember to keep it short) and may relay any messages. Warm-up Includes a physical warming-up of the body and a skills warm-up where the skills taught in a previous session are reinforced and practiced. More focus on an active warm up (young kids also get bored with static). Time of warm-up depends on age and condition of athletes. Stretching should be: On warm muscles Not bounced or stressful Gentle to the point of discomfort not pain Held for 10 – 15 seconds, at least twice On both sides of the body Specific for the sport Non-competitive
- 12. ELEMENTS OF APRACTICE SESSION cont… Skill development This part of the session occupies at least a third of the available time. Using either Technique approach or Game Sense, as mentioned previously. Skill development through games Use this important time to apply the skill, or one from a previous session, into a game situation. The key is to ensure maximum participation by all. Games increase motivation and transfer skills better than non-related situations Conditioning There may be a need to devote some time to conditioning. It is best done after skills. It may be incorporated into skills and you may revert to skills afterwards to cope with fatigued situations. Concluding activities Includes a warm down and review of the key teaching points from the session. Cool down is low level and is performed to reduce metabolic wastes. Evaluation also occurs here.
- 13. TEACHING SIMPLE SKILLS Selectskills Consider what the athlete wants to learn and what the athlete needs to learn and in which order To develop confidence the first skills taught should be simple and guarantee a successful performance Select an appropriate teaching formation Athletes should be able to comfortably observe and hear the coach The coach should be able to observe all athletes Avoid distracting elements eg sun, other groups etc Explanation Simple skills require simple instructions, avoid overload Key words emphasise important components Concentrate on one aspect at a time until achieved Ensure task is achievable Keep explanations and instructions brief
- 14. TEACHING SIMPLE SKILLScont.. Practice Following explanation athletes should be able to freely experiment ASAP Have plenty of equipment Keep groups small – attempting skills every 30 seconds (kinesthetic feedback – the ‘feel’ will be lost) Observing Effective observation is the key to good coaching Can occur during practice or games Good caching translates observation into coaching tips Measuring progress Skill acquisition is achieved if motivated and challenged; therefore it is essential to progress Compare individuals to themselves only Do not encourage worst or best while learning Encouragement At times when athletes are not progressing in order to minimize the athlete’s fear of making mistakes Know the athletes well enough to know when to encourage and when not to Praise should be consistent and sincere
- 15. TEACHING SIMPLE SKILLScont.. Effective feedback Provides information that helps learning and development of skills and attitudes. Can positively affect maturation, learning, self image, and motivation. Allow practice before feedback, correcting only one error at a time, and being clear on how to correct the error Positive reinforcement hastens development, shouting and criticism does not Ensure athletes do not practice a skill incorrectly Do not forget competent athletes Feedback can be verbal, reports, cues, checklists, videos, peer comments Allow athletes to critically analyse and evaluate their own performance Effective feedback should be specific, constructive, immediate, clear and positive Extending basic skills As athletes progress new challenges should be posed with the coach gradually introducing game like conditions and situations
- 16. HOW TO DEVELOPGAMES Games have been used for years in practice; the challenge is to make them purposeful. Adapt games to give them a tactical emphasis and challenge players to solve problems. Modification for exaggeration Games should be modified and for a specific reason. Modify games to exaggerate a certain aspect and guide towards a specific outcome (tactical or skill). Modifications can be used to achieve a variety of outcomes: Dimensions of the playing area Positioning of goal posts (and number of) Equipment to be used Number of passes or shots allowed Number of players in attack or defense Scoring systems – including penalty or bonus Time allowed Specific roles for player (goalkeepers) Adding or deleting game rules
- 17. GROUP MANAGEMENT Time isoften limited in practice sessions, therefore developing sound group management skills will ensure athletes get the most from each session. The coach must be able to organize athletes into groups, get them started on activities, move groups around practice sessions combine or split groups and keep unnecessary stoppage to a minimum. GETTING STARTED Establish where athletes should arrive and at what time, also plan a way to communicate cancellations. Be prepared and organized with an aim for each session that encourages involvement and challenges. Arrive early and check equipment is all ready. Develop a routine for the start of each session, this also assists with latecomers.
- 18. GAINING ATTENTION This mayrequire a strategy and should be a consistent pattern so that athletes are aware of what to do. You may use a: Whistle A whistle may be used to stop and start activities, to control games and as a safety device. The response should be consistent, such as stop or jog into the coach, and should be practiced until it becomes automatic. Voice: Sometimes this is better suited to indoors, and may include a simple ‘Stop’ or ‘Freeze’. ‘Freeze’ can also be particularly useful to identify errors in positioning or strategy.
- 19. FORMING GROUPS Athletes willneed to practice as individuals, pairs, small groups and whole squads. Coaches should quickly organize these groups. This may be done by height, weight, star signs, names, speed, playing positions, skill level etc. Organizing small groups ‘Get with a partner of about the same size’ ‘Each pair joins up with a pair to form a four’ ‘Every third pair split to form groups of three’ ‘Four groups of three in each corner of the court’ Start in a circle, splitting into two lines. Larger groups Have three leaders and players join in the line behind them Star signs, names etc. Using practice stations One way to organize drills is to set up stations and have players rotate around
- 20. TEACHING SMALL-SIDED GAMES Minorgames are an excellent way to practice game like situations and should be used in every session, as they increase motivation levels and better prepare athletes. Planning Each activity should be thoroughly planned, including formation and equipment, size of the groups, how the group will be established and how it will start. Introducing games Give each game a name Organize the group into appropriate teams and formations Briefly explain the main rules, method of progress, and method of scoring, restarts and penalties Start the game – let the group have a go, then add changes as needed Identifying teams Some games do not require identification eg volleyball, softball. However others can be split by athletes’ shirts (blue versus white), skins versus shirts (male only in warm weather), and shirts back the front or inside out, or by using coloured bibs. Practice formations Practice formations are specific to the sport and tasks within a sport Athletes must be able to pursue the task safely and free of interference It should encourage movement patterns required in the contest The coach should adopt a position so that all athletes can be monitored at all times It should facilitate the flow of athletes, abrupt and unscheduled changes should be avoided It should promote the development of physical capacities
- 21. TRAINING GRIDS Coaches needto plan and organize so that athletes are effectively involved. Grids can assist with this as is maximizes use of space and time, and coaches can observe all athletes at all times. A grid is an area that is clearly marked into subdivisions. The size can be varied according to: Available space Age of the group Skill level of the group The activity involved 10 metre squares are ideal with four athletes in each. The grid system enables large groups to be organized efficiently. Observing from the perimeter means that all athletes can be monitored and a demonstration from one of the middle grids means that athletes can stay in their area to observe and then quickly resume their activity. The coach will need to walk through activities until the squad is familiar with them.
- 22. MANAGING ATHLETE’S BEHAVIOUR Gooddiscipline and dealing with inappropriate behaviours is crucial. Establish Expectations Clearly establish expectations at the first sessions, addressing attendance, punctuality and behaviour. Involving athletes in this process can be helpful Be fair and consistent This ensures athletes acceptance of discipline, and should be the same for all athletes regardless of their ability. Do not put off bad behaviour it is unlikely to go away. Discuss individually or for young athletes, talk to their parents. Use praise Praise and acknowledge appropriate behaviour and effort as soon as possible. Positive reinforcement is essential. Physical punishment links positive (conditioning) with negatives (punishment) and does little to indicate how the behaviour is unacceptable or how to modify their actions. Shouting and humiliating is of little benefit. Quietly speak to individuals and praise if it improves
- 23. MANAGING ATHLETES BEHAVIOURcont… Plan for fun and involvement Programs that are fun, active and develop skills improve motivation and also reduce disciplinary problems. Make sure there is enough equipment for everyone so athletes wait no longer than 30 seconds between goes. Include variety, challenges and modified rules eg using only one hand in a short game of Basketball. Self-evaluation Sometimes problems in the program may be a fault of the coach. Evaluate the following The coach talking too much Activities continuing on too long Players’ waiting too long between goes Activities that are boring and not challenging enough Dealing with inappropriate behaviours Athletes are aware that there are rules of behaviour that are acceptable. Just the fact that an athlete has been noticed is usually enough If the behaviour is not corrected, ask the player if they are adhering to the team rules and what should they be doing? Withdraw the athlete for at time out until they agree to behave appropriately Time out is away from other athletes but close enough to supervise On returning try to find an opportunity to praise the athlete or involve them in a leadership role Contact parents or administration if the problem continues
- 24. COMMUNICATION Communication is anessential key to good coaching. A coach may possess all the technical knowledge and skills, however, without communication it is of little use. Benefits of good communication: Improves morale Provides a sense of involvement (belonging) Promotes commitment and understanding Is more efficient (saves time and effort for caches and athletes) Promotes better teamwork
- 25. TYPES OF COMMUNICATION Verbal:‘The spoken word’ Can be used to direct play, manage teams, organize drills, provide instant feedback, and instruct athletes and question for understanding Has 2 main levels: what the speaker thinks and what the listener thinks is being said. The more similar the 2 messages the better the communication. Open questions Questions that encourage a response and allow freedom for more than just a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. Encourages athletes to think and provide insight Feedback ‘Good’ feedback promotes development, ‘bad’ discourages athletes. Constructive feedback is not necessarily bad. Try using the sandwich technique: ‘Your positioning is good, concentrate on keeping hands high and wide, keep up the effort!’
- 26. TYPES OF COMMUNICATIONcont… Non-verbal: ‘The unspoken word’ 80% of communication comes from non-verbal cues. If non-verbals match verbals, it is very effective, if not the message becomes confusing Visual This includes all aspects of body language; posture, gestures, facial expressions and eye contact Touch Touch can be very effective eg a pat on the back or physical manipulation (guiding the athlete through the movement) Significant caution must be taken with physical contact. Some athletes are OK with it – others are not. There are sexual harassment issues also. A good rule of thumb is to ask if they are comfortable. Familiarise yourself with the ‘Guidelines for coaches’ booklet. Voice expression Tone of voice, rate of speech and volume of voice can change what is being said. How you say ‘no’ can express fear, doubt, amazement, sarcasm or anger. How you say something may gain attention, maintain interest and emphasise points Role model Arriving on time and dressed appropriately etc communicates that you are interested in what you do.
- 27. TYPES OF COMMUNICATIONcont… Use SOLVER as a non-verbal positive checklist: Squarely face the athlete O pen posture. Crossed arms or legs creates barriers Lean slightly forward. Demonstrates interest and listening Verbal comments are relevant Eye contact – should be made and maintained without overdoing it Relax – be comfortable and show it Effective communication All athletes respond differently to forms of communication – remember to vary it to maintain interest and ‘trigger’ what works for an athlete. Communication is more effective when it is open and encourages athletes input ‘If a coach is obviously interested and enthusiastic about coaching, this can be contagious making the athletes want to learn’
- 28. TYPES OF COMMUNICATIONcont… Active listening Is concentrating on what the athlete has to say (in actions and words), some coaches find it difficult as they feel they should direct and solve. Large advantages to listening Shows interest and fosters a positive environment Reduces chances of being misunderstood Encourages further communication Athlete is more likely to listen if you listen to them Coach can learn from other athletes Four easy steps to Active listening: STOP – stop, pay attention, and do not interrupt LOOK – face, gain eye contact, show interest, and look for non-verbals LISTEN – listen to words and emotions, show non-verbals, support with encouraging words RESPOND – paraphrase, check you understand, summarise, remain neutral and supportive, and use open questions for more information.
- 29. COACHING AND THELAW The law is a method by which our society determines the rights of a citizen in a particular situation. It touches all aspects of life and sport is no exception. The Australian sporting ethic is strong and as sports become more professional, people turn to the courts to protect their rights. The major area involved is negligence and duty of care. Negligence is ‘conduct that falls below the standard regarded as normal or desirable in a given community’. Any coach has a responsibility to take care not to harm others.
- 30. DUTY OF CARE Thereare two prerequisites to duty of care: The harm must be reasonably foreseeable The court asks what a reasonable person would have done under the circumstances and compares that behaviour with the facts. Coaches are expected to take basic precautions to anticipate danger. This is not easy but is a relatively low standard test to pass There must be some form of relationship (called ‘proximity’) A person does not owe duty of care to the world; there must be a relationship between the two parties. After these two factors are established there is duty of care. A person will only be liable of negligence if the injured person can prove: The defendant owed the plaintiff duty of care The defendant was in breach of that duty of care The dependents breach of duty of care was the cause of the plaintiff’s loss The damage to the plaintiff was not too remote
- 31. THE COACH ANDDUTY OF CARE There are common factors considered relevant when deciding if someone has breached the standard of care: Magnitude of the risk – larger the risk = higher standard of care Probability of risk of injury – higher probability = higher standard of care Gravity of harm – where activity is dangerous or person is susceptible = increase in standard of care Difficulty and expense of eliminating the risk – the easier to eliminate = less likely of failure to take steps. Standards The standard of the coach will be measured against their peers (Level 1 coach against Level 1 coach). If a coach is higher qualified they will be rated higher, that is they will be judged against someone of the same skill and qualifications. The reason for this is a doctor should have a higher standard of care than a first aid officer. If a coach is not accredited or has let them lapse, they will still assume duty of care and be judged against similar standards, even if they are teaching ‘old’ methods that are outdated. Coaches should not become risk averse as athletes still need to be challenged. It is a balancing act between necessary risk and ensuring standards of care are met.
- 32. OTHER TOPICS Physical conditioning Coachingteam sports Coaching female athletes Coaching veteran athletes Coaching athletes with a disability Sports Nutrition Drugs in Sport Sports Psychology
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