Coaches - a little less conversation - a little more action please

In recent weeks I have written two different columns about the great work that the FAI are doing, running different coaching courses for people of all ages and levels.

However, I personally think that the higher the coach goes further up the coaching ladder, they tend to forget about the core principles of teaching players at all levels and what is important. 

I am witnessing this every weekend at both soccer and basketball games, as sometimes the manager/ coach forgets it should be all about the players and not themselves.

They love to hear the sound of their own voice.  They love letting their players know they have more knowledge than they do and this is wrong.

As a coach of basketball for nearly 40 years, I get so frustrated when I see first hand manager/coaches putting in systems that the players are not ready to use in games or do not understand. 

They are getting drills from the internet, and spending at least a half hour talking about it during sessions while the kids are standing around, instead of letting the players play and figure the concepts out themselves and more importantly, make drills about what happens in games instead of drills that make the coaches look good.

I see it all the time with cones.  Are so many cones necessary?  Whose benefit are they for?

Another important aspect is that all coaches should have a good communication network with their players by explaining the simple things to their players, for example, why they didn’t play, getting them to play in different positions, and most importantly, remain positive if they make mistakes.

This also applies to coaches and managers that are involved with young and older adults.  

Communication is key.  Talking to the players, explaining why they are not involved, asking how they are, showing interest in their lives, these things matter greatly.

In the world we live in today, with social media so prominent, talk to the players so that they don’t overthink why they are not involved in games and certain drills, and don't let them think they are the problem, so it's very important to explain or give encouragement to them all the time.

Niall O’Regan, who is Head of Education and Development for the FAI and is also a member of the FIFA Technical Diploma group, gives his thoughts on coaches falling into the trap of over coaching, especially when it comes to coaching children.

“The key for me when coaching is that it is all about the context and the environment that you are coaching in,” Niall said.

“It’s important to realise the role you have as the coach, so if you are coaching as a parent, volunteer or coach in a grassroots club, the key impact here is to ensure you engage with every child, challenge them individually and collectively through simple development. 

"Make sure every experience in your environment is a positive one, so it’s about the child, not the coach, spend the time on planning activities that are fun, engaging. 

"The best practices are those that are simple, easy to organise, easy to adapt and change where levels require it and just encourage the children to be creative.

“Too often coaches can fall into the trap of trying to replicate a session plan that they have seen online or seen in a different environment. 

"For example, thinking the children are mini adults and using a practice or a session plan that worked in an adult environment, may not transfer to a children’s environment.

“It’s all about understanding the audience in front of you and effective coaches have this skill in abundance, the skill of adaptability, being able to adapt their coaching behaviours to the environment, context and level of players they are coaching.

“In a children’s context, the core has to be about fun, developing the children to fall into love with the game through activity, as much engagement.

“It’s very important instead of correction or criticism, focus on coaching positively, using the opportunity when someone does something right to use this as a demonstration of success, reward and recognise everyone where you can.

“For me, coaching kids, you judge your success ten years later, how many of the kids are still playing the game, how many of the kids are still involved. 

"Those that coach the youngest ages from five to twelve have such a responsibility, as they are shaping the players of the future and it is so important the environment is fun, fast, active and not too structured, don’t complicate things with rigid session plans that require complex activity, keep it simple, keep it fun and keep it active.

“Coaches are trying to help players to have knowledge 'IN ' the game rather than just 'knowledge about! 

"We can now be aware not to over coach and talk too much, so change the activity rather than more talk and lectures,” O’Regan added.

Francis O’Sullivan, who is one of the leading tutors with Basketball Ireland and is one of the most respected coaches in the country also explains that every child matters and to teach the players what they need to know, not what you as a coach or manager know.

The Ballincollig coach has coached at every level in the game in Ireland, from underage with the North Mon to national league with Blue Demons, Killarney, Brunell and underage programs to senior with the Irish international teams.

What is unique with O’Sullivan is his ability to still try learn about the game and his still travels to different countries to get new ideas to share with the different coaches when he puts on courses for Basketball Ireland.

“Every child matters should be the mantra and mission of every sports coach of developing players,” Francis said.

“Meet them where they're at and help them improve. 

"Why did they join and what challenges have they now?

"How do we keep them motivated and involved?

“A goal for every coach should be ' to try and never be a child's last coach,” O’Sullivan added.

As the song goes:  A little less conversation - a little more action please.