Session 4 - Games Based Approach too Coaching (08/11/12)

Games Based Approach too Coaching (08/11/12)

Launder (2001) defines a games based approach to coaching as a way to introduce a sport to beginners with the use of a modified game that allows gradual progression. With this is in mind, when applying this to football (sport I know more about) I would look to focus on developing one particular skill i.e. short pass or shooting.

If I look at the short pass, the games based approach to coaching is similar to a traditional method of coaching except there is a challenge and questions from the coach included. For example for a short pass session I would employ a keep ball style game with different handicaps on the participants such as only allowed two touches, have to pass with weaker foot or have to make five consecutive passes to score a point. Having these sort of handicaps on them, the participants have something to work towards and maintain and this can help them focus on the task at hand and motivate them to perform the skill that little bit better. After the first drill is complete, as a coach I would then step in and ask the participants questions as to how they think the drill went and to whether or not they found it was harder to achieve their goal with the handicaps or if it helped them to concentrate and perform better. The game is then played again, this time with a progression and then a cool down. That is how a games based approach to coaching session is structured compared to traditional coaching methods.

Using this approach to coaching, I believe that I will find it a lot easier to coach someone and help them improve because by giving them something to work towards each session such as scoring more points than the opposing team in a keep ball short passing drill. Games based approach to coaching is a more entertaining method for the participants as well as its not just drill, progress and progress then a game employing what is learnt at the end. The benefit of games based approach is that the entire coaching session is based on active drills but still incorporates progression into them allowing the participants to develop the skill during the session.

I will be looking to employ this coaching method in the summer when I go back home and coach my local under 14's cricket team as I believe the friendly competition within the drills I use will keep them interested and excited about what they are learning by giving them a target to work towards. Having something to work towards not only gives them something to work for but also allows me as a coach to see how the players are progressing each week. For example if we do a fielding drill working on catching a high ball and I give each kid ten attempts. If one week a kid catches four, I then show them the varied ways of catching a ball (above the head or under the chin) and what sort of way to position themselves underneath the ball and come back to the ten attempts and they then score five I can see they are learning and improving.

References:

Launder, A. (2001). Play Practice, The Games Approach to Teaching and Coaching Sports. Human Kinetics, Leeds.