coaching foundation level participants

Question 1

non-verbal communication

Answer 1

• Body language
• Posture
• Eye contact
• Appearance – clothing/grooming

Question 2

tone and level of voice

Answer 2

• volume
• the timbre
• speed or pace
• pitch

Question 3

volume

Answer 3

how loud or soft your voice is. Too be heard clearly over a group of participants, a coach may need to raise there voice, whereas when working one on one or with a small group they may be able to speak at an average volume.

Question 4

speed or pace

Answer 4

how quickly or slowly you speak, when working with younger participants it is important to speak slowly, giving them time to process information. Speaking too fast can cause participants to miss vital information.

Question 5

active listening

Answer 5

to listen actively, you need to focus on what the person is saying to you and respond appropriately. You must give participants your undivided attention and encourage them to express themselves.

Question 6

to be an active listener, you should:

Answer 6

• focus on the speaker
• don’t interrupt
• show respectful posture
• ask appropriate questions
• repeat back information

Question 7

open questions

Answer 7

are ‘open ended’, meaning that they require more than a one-worded answer. Open-ended questions require a lengthier response with more detail

Question 8

closed questions

Answer 8

closed questions require a yes or no answer. They are short, sweet, and to the point.

Question 9

terminology and language

Answer 9

When coaching foundation level participants you will often need to break down technical and tactical skills and rephrase them to make them easier to understand

• Consider the participants ages and level of experience.
• Avoid using vocabulary they may not be familiar with.
• If there is a sport-specific term they need to know, define and clearly explain it, providing examples where possible

Question 10

feedback sandwich

Answer 10

This is where the coach ‘sandwiches’ an area for improvement between two praises. Firstly begin with a positive comment, followed by constructive feedback whilst providing advice on how to improve, then lastly another positive comment.

Question 11

questioning feedback model

Answer 11

requires the coach to ask the participant what they think and feel they did well and where they can input. Ask open-ended questions to allow for discussion, for example:
- What do you feel you did well during today’s session?
- Where do you think you can further improve in your performance?

Question 12

two ways to provide feedback include:

Answer 12

• feedback sandwich
• questioning feedback model

Question 13

protective equipment

Answer 13

helps to protect participants from injury. Can include equipment worn, as well as equipment applied to the playing area. Equipment may be compulsory, in which case the coach can never allow a participant to take part in the session without the correct equipment. Equipment must be fitted correctly, as a coach you must check to see if all equipment is safe.

Question 14

selecting and checking equipment - set up and pack down

Answer 14

as a coach, you must ensure:
- all equipment and resources have been checked and are in a safe condition
- if it is the right size and material for your participants, and how much of you need based on your session plan
- that all playing surfaces are safe and free from hazards
- all equipment is safely packed up, taking your time to check each piece of equipment for damage or wear and tear then putting it away

Question 15

ensuring safe use of equipment

Answer 15

once participants have been allocated equipment, you need to monitor them. Are they using the equipment correctly? This is important for younger kids who fidget with equipment (swinging bats around etc)

Question 16

behavioural expectations for an assistant coach

Answer 16

• arriving on time
• promoting positive interaction and participation
• using acceptable language
• using self-reflection to identify areas for improvement

Question 17

arriving on time

Answer 17

as an assistant coach, you are required to interpret the session, plan and then prepare for it, checking all equipment and setting up for activities, tasks or drills. You should arrive 10-15 minutes before your supervisors suggested time.

Question 18

promoting positive interaction and participation

Answer 18

as a coach, you must be a positive influence on participants. You should always promote positive interactions with participants, fellow coaches, parents and guardians. It is also vital that you encourage being a good sport.

Question 19

addressing poor behaviour - reporting incidents

Answer 19

• ignore the behaviour (if causing no distractions)
• interact with the participant
• use the feedback sandwich
• involve the misbehaving participant more in the session (distract them to stop poor behaviour)
• privately address the behaviour
• as a last resort, sit the participant out

Question 20

skill sequencing

Question 21

promoting cooperation and good relationships

Answer 21

as a coach, you must be a positive influence on participants. You should always promote positive interaction with participants, fellow coaches, parents and guardians. It is also vital that you encourage being a good sport

Question 22

tactical vs technical skills

Answer 22

for the sport that you wish to coach, you must be able to recognise the tactical and technical fundamentals suitable for foundation level participants.

Question 23

tactical skills

Answer 23

Tactical skills are the tactics that a player uses to gain advantage over others. They are the decision and actions they take to gain and advantage

Question 24

technical skills

Answer 24

Technical skills refer to technique, these are the actions and skills that a person learns in order to play the sport

Question 25

session plan interpretation and confirming

Answer 25

• Read details
• Ask questions
• repeat key info back to coach to confirm info is correct

Question 26

self reflection methods

Answer 26

Identify what you did well and what could be improved on using a reflection diary or journal, as well as gaining feedback from participants and other coaches.

Question 27

when packing away equipment

Answer 27

• visually check and feel for damage or wear and tear
• put equipment away in its correct location, out of the way