I was recently at the NCAA Finals for Women’s D1, and there were four words that caught my attention. These words have always been important to me, but hearing them repeated in session after session made me realize that we have turned a corner in the world of volleyball. Coaches from all over the world are now making the necessary changes to become better teachers of the game.
One of those words is “Gamelike.” For far too long, coaches have been using this term to describe drills and exercises that were anything but gamelike. I remember stumbling upon a YouTube video years ago where one group was kicking volleyballs while the other group stood backwards at the net. Their task was to shuffle in front of the rolling volleyball and stop it from crossing under the net by intercepting it with their heels or calves. The coach kept insisting that this was gamelike, but it was clear that it was a farce. However, at the convention, I saw more examples of training that were actually gamelike. There were still some partner exercises that didn’t align with my beliefs based on motor learning science, but overall, the training was more gamelike.
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The other two words that stood out were “Growth Mindset.” I introduced my blog readers to this concept years ago when I shared Carol Dweck’s research. It was great to see that at this convention, the topic of the growth mindset was being discussed and referenced extensively. It is crucial in developing better learners in all areas, including sports.
The power of our words cannot be underestimated, especially when it comes to coaching and giving feedback. As coaches, we need to pay more attention to the impact of our words and study how they affect our players. In our IMPACT manual, I have emphasized the need to change certain words. We should replace “Don’t” with what we want, as teaching a negative is counterproductive. “Try” gives people an excuse for not doing something, and “But” shuts the door on the previous words, while “and” keeps the conversation open. Lastly, we should eliminate “Can’t” because nothing is impossible; it just hasn’t been done 10 out of 10 times yet. Athletes may start at 1 out of 10, but with practice, they can improve.
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And then there’s the word “Mastery.” When I was writing the first IMPACT manual, I sat with Bill Neville and Mike Flemming, trying to come up with an acronym that embodied the purpose of the course. We stumbled upon the word “Mastery” while going through the dictionary to find the best words for each letter. Once I heard it, I knew that was the word. Karch Kiraly, speaking to the USA Women’s National team, emphasizes the importance of getting a little better every day. Other coaches talk about “the process.” In the end, it all comes down to focusing on mastery every single day. Mastery is a foundational word for any program that aims to help athletes be the best they can be.
There are many negative and demotivating words and phrases in sports and in life that we need to eliminate. Liz Green and Andrea Gardner, two individuals from the United Kingdom, specialize in this area. Liz calls herself a “pioneer of positive change,” and Andrea shared a short story in a video titled “Change Your Words, Change Your World,” which inspired the title of this blog.
Take a few minutes to watch the three brief clips that Andrea created. In each example, you will see how a simple change in wording can make a significant difference in someone’s life. Afterward, I encourage you to reflect on any instances where you have made changes to the language used in your gym and how it has impacted your teaching and your athletes’ learning.
FAQs
Q: Why is it important for coaches to use gamelike training?
A: Gamelike training is essential because it closely mimics the conditions and scenarios that athletes will encounter during actual games. By incorporating gamelike drills and exercises, coaches can better prepare their athletes for real-game situations, improving their decision-making, and enhancing their overall performance.
Q: What is a growth mindset, and why is it important in sports?
A: A growth mindset is the belief that one’s abilities and skills can be developed through hard work, dedication, and learning from failures. In sports, having a growth mindset is crucial because it encourages athletes to embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, and believe in their potential for improvement. This mindset fosters resilience, motivation, and a love for the learning process.
Q: How can coaches use the power of words to enhance their impact?
A: Coaches have a tremendous influence on their athletes, and the words they use can either empower or demotivate them. By choosing positive and constructive language, coaches can inspire and motivate their athletes to reach their full potential. It is important to focus on what athletes can do, provide specific feedback, and use words that foster a growth mindset and a love for the game.
Summary
Language plays a crucial role in coaching, and the words we use can have a profound impact on athletes. Coaches are increasingly recognizing the importance of gamelike training, which closely mirrors real-game situations. Additionally, the concept of a growth mindset is gaining traction, as coaches understand its power in developing better learners. By choosing our words carefully, coaches can create a positive and motivational environment that fosters athlete development. Let’s embrace the power of our words and strive for mastery in our coaching journey.
Remember, words have the power to change your world, so let’s change our words and change our gym.
Call to Action: For more insightful articles and resources on coaching and athlete development, visit our website at Alpinetgheep.com. Join us on this journey to empower coaches and athletes alike.
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Danh mục: Volleyball
