Tuesday, 16 Jul 2024

Coaching Approach: Embracing Games and Feedforward for Maximum Impact

Introduction

In the world of coaching, there are certain traditional approaches that have been widely accepted and practiced for years. However, it’s crucial to constantly reassess these methods to ensure they are truly beneficial for athletes. In this article, we will explore alternative strategies that can be employed to enhance player development and performance. By shifting our focus from drills to games, from feedback to feedforward, and from technique training to preparation, we can take coaching to a whole new level.

Embracing Games Instead of Drills

When it comes to training athletes, there has always been a strong emphasis on drills. However, let’s take a moment to reflect on our own childhood experiences. We didn’t learn to ride bikes or skateboards through drills; we simply did them. We played tag games instead of engaging in movement drills. These games allowed us to learn and improve our skills in a fun and engaging way. So, why not apply the same principle to coaching?

By substituting the word “drill” with “game,” we can create a more enjoyable and meaningful learning environment for our athletes. When given the choice between doing a passing drill or playing a passing game, players will naturally gravitate towards the latter. Incorporating scoring and competition adds an extra level of motivation and excitement. By listening to our athletes’ preferences and incorporating games into our training sessions, we can foster deliberate practice and focused training in a way that resonates with them.

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Emphasizing Feedforward over Feedback

Coaches often spend a significant amount of time providing feedback on past performance, focusing on what went wrong or what needs to be improved. However, a more effective approach is to shift our attention to the present moment – the point being played right now. By teaching our players to focus on what they can control in the present moment, both mentally and physically, we can create a more productive and positive learning experience.

To achieve this, we need to guide our athletes to look beyond the immediate ball flight and contact. By encouraging them to anticipate and read the game before the contact, we can help them make better decisions and react more effectively. This is where the concept of “feedforward” comes into play. Instead of dwelling on past mistakes, we should provide cues, ideas, and insights that help players make better decisions in real-time. By developing their ability to read the game and anticipate future actions, we can empower our athletes to perform at their best.

Moving Away from Excessive Technique Training

Technique training has always been a fundamental aspect of coaching. However, we need to reconsider the extent to which we prioritize technique over other elements of the game. While it is important to ensure athletes have a solid foundation of technical skills, it is equally crucial to focus on preparation and anticipation.

Instead of fixating solely on the skill being executed at the point of contact, we should broaden our perspective to include the moments leading up to it. Just as other sports film the action before and at contact, we can enhance our coaching by emphasizing the importance of preparation, reading the game, and anticipating the opponent’s actions.

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Volleyball is a unique sport that requires players to make split-second decisions in an open motor program environment. Unlike sports like basketball or football, where athletes have more time to control the ball, volleyball demands advanced preparation due to its rebound nature. By dedicating more time to teaching the game between contacts, we can help our players develop the right technique for each specific situation.

Conclusion

Coaching is an ever-evolving field, and it’s crucial to challenge traditional methods to ensure optimal player development and performance. By shifting our focus from drills to games, from feedback to feedforward, and from excessive technique training to comprehensive preparation, we can create a more engaging and effective coaching experience for our athletes. Let’s embrace these alternative approaches and maximize our impact as coaches. For more information and resources on these coaching strategies, visit Alpinetgheep.

FAQs

Q: Are drills no longer necessary in coaching?
A: Drills still have their place in coaching, but it’s important to make them more game-like and engaging for the athletes. By incorporating scoring and competition, drills can become more enjoyable and impactful.

Q: How can I provide feedforward instead of feedback to my athletes?
A: Feedforward involves providing cues, ideas, and insights that help athletes make better decisions in real-time. Instead of focusing on past mistakes, guide your athletes to anticipate and read the game ahead, empowering them to perform at their best.

Q: Should technique training be completely disregarded?
A: Technique training remains important, but we should also prioritize preparation, reading the game, and anticipation. By teaching the game between contacts and focusing on timing and positioning, athletes can apply their techniques more effectively.

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Q: How can I incorporate more games into my coaching sessions?
A: Listen to your athletes’ preferences and give them the opportunity to choose games over drills whenever possible. Incorporate scoring and competition to enhance motivation and engagement.

Q: Where can I find more resources on these coaching strategies?
A: Visit Alpinetgheep for additional information, tools, and resources to enhance your coaching approach.