A. What is coaching?

Coaching is about developing people.  Teaching, instructing and training are all vital parts of coaching, but not the whole story.  Helping people to improve their techniques, skills and tactics are also important, but not everything.  Coaching means developing the whole person, by helping them to improve their performance

B. How to do this?

Every coach has different methods and approaches.  However, there are four things which all coaches do.

B1.  Planning

Before you do anything else, plan.  Planning is essential to make sure practice is both effective and safe.

When you plan, make sure you remember all of these things:

			The age and ability of the players taking part
			What facilities you have (will you be working inside or outside? Grass or earth pitch? How much space do you have?)
			What staff you have (how many people?  What are their ages and levels of ability and experience?)
			What equipment you will need
			How much time you have (is there a limit to the time you have available?)
			Is there anyone with special needs?
			The layout of the session

B2. Preparation

Make sure that you and the venue is well-prepared before any of the players arrive.

To prepare properly:

			Make sure all the players are prepared for the session.  Do they all have the right clothes and footwear?  Are medical supplies (inhalers, insulin etc., if necessary) and information easily accessible?
			Make sure a good supply of drinks are easily available.
			Make sure the playing surface is clearly marked out and checked for health and safety (are there any dangerous objects on the pitch?  Are the nets secure and well-maintained?)

B3. Conduct

There are six things good coaches do while leading a session:

			Organise – make sure each player knows what to do and where they should be
			Control – make sure you are in charge of every situation
			Explain – be prepared to talk through what you want to happen
			Demonstrate – be prepared to use your own skills to show what you want to happen
			Observe – make sure you know exactly what is happening around you
			Analyse – be prepared to think carefully about each situation

B4. Evaluation

Evaluation is necessary not only to look back on what you have just done, but also essential for preparing future sessions.  Learn from your experiences!

To evaluate effectively:

			Check that your initial objectives were achieved (and if not, why not?)
			Record the strengths and weaknesses of each player – for future reference.
			Make a note of went well.
			Make a note of what you would do differently if you did this session again.
			Make a note of how you plan to improve the next session.
			Check to see if your players understood the aims and objectives of the session, and if your players felt the aims and objectives were reached (and if not, why not?)
			Get any feedback from the players, or anyone else who attended the session.

C. What makes a successful coach?

There are many factors which make a coach successful – and luck is one of them!  However, there are four things which all successful coaches share:

C1. Knowledge

			A successful coach has proven knowledge of the session and understanding of the methods used.   A successful coach shares this with the group before the session starts – making clear what the aims, objectives and key learning factors of the session are.
			A successful coach has knowledge of diversity.  A successful coach understands the people he or she is working with – their abilities, or disabilities, their cultural backgrounds, assumptions and expectations, and their spiritual needs.

C2. Motivation

It is essential that players are motivated.  A player’s motivation can come from, or be increased by, working with a coach who is him/herself highly motivated – a positive role model.  A successful coach shows s/he is also enjoying the session, and aiming to make a difference.

Remember:

			Praise is more productive than criticism.
			Believe in what you are doing.
			Respect everyone, at all times.
			Be enthusiastic – and don’t be afraid to show it!

C3. Organisational skills

If you are organised, it is easier to make sure your session is well-organised. Make sure everything is ready before the start of the session.

Remember:

			to have your session plan prepared.
			to make sure the risk assessment is in place and evident.
			to discuss the key learning factors, and make sure they are understood.
			to make sure all necessary equipment is in place.
			to assess the ability of each group – and make sure that each session matches that level of ability.
			to be punctual, and make sure your session runs to its time plan.

Preparation is the key to production!

C4. Communication skills

A successful coach is a good communicator.  It is essential that a coach has the ability to communicate at all levels in a non-threatening, non-abusive manner.

Remember:

			Verbal communication should be age and language appropriate.
			Visual communication should never relay negativity.  Be aware of your facial expressions and body language.
			Smile, and show that you are enjoying yourself.
			A sense of humour is good, but make sure jokes are appropriate.  Never be offensive, negative, threatening or abusive.
			Listen, and show that you hear what your players are saying by repeating it back.