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Are you a coach who, like me, once suffered from the Illusion of Knowledge? Have you ever assumed that your playing experience automatically translated into coaching expertise? If so, you’re not alone. Many of us have made this mistake, but it’s time to change the way we approach coaching and embrace continuous learning. In this article, we will explore the importance of gaining knowledge and share valuable insights from my own coaching journey.
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The Illusion of Knowledge and Its Impact
At the beginning of my coaching career, I thought my playing experience would be enough to guide my daughter’s volleyball team. However, I soon realized that this Illusion of Knowledge hindered my ability to be an effective coach. My lack of coaching knowledge resulted in subpar coaching methods, which ultimately affected the development and success of the team.
Embracing Guided Discovery: My Path to Improvement
To improve as a coach, I embarked on a journey of guided discovery. In 2004, I attended IMPACT (Increased Mastery and Professional Application of Coaching Theory), which opened my eyes to the importance of continuous learning. Since then, I have dedicated myself to advancing my coaching skills through various training programs, including the three levels of CAP (Coaching Accreditation Program). Every season, I strive to be more than just a parent with a clipboard, ensuring that I never become a child’s last coach and always deliver the best coaching experience possible.
The Importance of Understanding Coaching Theories
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One organization that has greatly influenced my coaching approach is USA Volleyball. Their teachings have shaped my understanding of coaching theories and their practical application. It surprises me how some coaches fail to grasp these fundamental principles. Simple things like standing on a box and throwing tennis balls over the net with wrist snap may seem like effective training techniques, but they are scientifically flawed and a waste of time. Let’s explore why.
The Fallacy of Standing on a Box
Standing on a box to throw tennis balls over the net assumes a uniform height for all players, which is rarely the case. Additionally, it disregards other essential factors such as varying vertical leaping abilities, ball set height, opponent defense, and legality of throwing the ball. When we transition to using a real volleyball and remove the boxes, we often witness negative errors and an inability to perform at the expected level.
Optimal Training Environments: A Solution
When training in shared court spaces or limited resources, it’s crucial to adapt and find optimal solutions. Instead of running drills that only require half of the court, consider stringing a ribbon/rope vertically to create a makeshift net. This enables players to play over the net in a competitive game-like environment, providing more valuable training opportunities. By giving athletes more chances to play, we allow them to experience net gains in skill development.
Gain Nets = Net Gains: A Transformational Approach
The Gain Nets = Net Gains diagram captures the essence of USA Volleyball’s research and philosophies. By following this approach, coaches can witness increased mastery in their athletes. It’s important to note that this method is not a shortcut to winning championships or developing highly recruited athletes instantly. Instead, it fosters a deep sense of personal growth and aha moments for both the coach and the athletes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can following the Gain Nets = Net Gains approach lead to immediate success?
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A: While immediate success cannot be guaranteed, coaches who embrace this approach will witness increased mastery and personal growth in their athletes over time.
Q: How can coaches incorporate smaller team sizes into their training sessions?
A: Coaches can use smaller teams and adapt game-like situations to maximize player engagement and increase the number of ball touches during training.
Q: Are there any success stories from clubs or college teams that have implemented the Gain Nets = Net Gains approach?
A: While I don’t have specific examples from clubs or college teams, I can personally attest to the effectiveness of this approach in teaching volleyball to young athletes.
Q: How does the Gain Nets = Net Gains approach benefit players?
A: This approach provides athletes with more opportunities to play in a competitive environment, leading to increased skill development and a deeper understanding of the game.
Conclusion
As coaches, we must overcome the Illusion of Knowledge and commit to continuous learning. By incorporating the Gain Nets = Net Gains approach into our coaching philosophy, we can create transformative experiences for our athletes. Remember, coaching is not just about winning games; it’s about guiding and inspiring young athletes to reach their full potential. Start your own journey to coaching excellence and witness the joy of your athletes’ aha moments.
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Danh mục: Volleyball
