The Coaches Toolbox
The toolbox, much like the toolbox in your shed has all sorts of tools in it. Each is used in a specific way.
A coach also has a toolbox.
Quick task - how do you ‘coach’? Do you coach in different ways? These are your tools.
Here are some that I use, and that we will cover during our class:
FREEZE
Every stop and stand still. I want to recreate a moment that just happened because we [gave the ball away, made a mistake, didn’t make a pass we have been working on/didn’t have SUPPORT etc.]
Use a minute or so to recreate the action and demonstrate desired behavior so the players can see the solution we are looking for.
Let them play after performing the desired behavior in a walk-through. Go play.
You then have a reference point for the players to remember the ‘solution’ you showed them.
Coaching in the Flow
Not commentating on each pass and dribble and shot and every step.
But using keywords to help players.
“SUPPORT, JoJo”. “Excellent BREAK, Mikey”. “SUPPORT closer, Jose”
This is a skill because we have so much we want to say - like a detailed explanation, but use the practices to help the players develop their understanding of the keywords and then use them in the flow.
Not so fun task. Audio record yourself during half of one game. What do you say? It might not be just key words. Then practice using only those.
Hot and Cold Feedback
Stoppage (goal or the ball goes out).
Hot feedback (immediately after a particular moment) - “Jose, what did you see that reminded you to SUPPORT like that?
We want to know what his immediate thought is - what did he see, whether the outcome was good or bad. Context helps us so much.
Cold feedback (maybe after the 3 minutes of play has finished) - “Jose, tell me more about the moment of SUPPORT and why you did that?
What can he recall - importantly, it is not a “WHY DID YOU DO THAT?” question, but an inquiry - safe space, no wrong answers, just context.
Avoid answering for him or asking - “did you SUPPORT because you recognized your team mate was going to lose the ball?”
Why? Because his answer will be a resounding YES, and he, and we, learn nothing.
Tactics Board
For me, the most superior coaching tool there is.
Magnetic pieces can be moved by anyone. You can also write on it.
Like a gym workout, write the practice plan on it. Write todays key word on it.
In games, use the pieces to show your team formation and player movement.
Let the players get their hands on the pieces and move them around.
Just always check the grass when you’re done. There is NOTHING worse than losing a magnet.
Examples
Professional videos. Good players on the team. You.
All of these methods can provide positive examples for players to learn.
Young players like screens, social media has lots of material of 5-10 seconds long you can use for great examples for players.
At practice, you or other players, can provide examples for good decisions or good behaviors in the moments you are working on.
There are more.
These are my favorite.