Styles of Coaching

Intro

It is the coach who determines whether young athletes early experiences of a sport are rewarding or not.

These experiences are likely to determine whether an individual continues with the sport

As the level of comp increases the player-coach relationship become more crictical.

The Role of the Coach

Is a complex one depending on level, sport, age, gender and experience of participants.

Coaching stereotypes ??? Ruthless, yells, aggressive

What characteristics should a coach have?

Role of the Coach

Educator, leader, teacher, friend, guide, visionary, facilitator, manager, organiser, technician, and mentor.

Coach must meet varied needs and expectations of the individuals.

They must also know the motivating factors of the individuals.

Role of the Coach

A coach is defined as “One who instructs players in the fundamentals of a competitive sport and directs team strategies”

Form of leadership where one person guides and influences others.

Question why is the role of the coach so complex???

Styles of Coaching

Authoritarian/ Autocratic The coach makes all the decisions with

an emphasis on strict discipline and aggression. Winning is the ultimate goal.

He or she decides what the goals of the session are.

Highly organised Players who are sensitive may be turned

off by this style.

Friendly/ Personable

This coach has an easy and approachable manner, and a close rapport with the players, who are treated as individuals.

Coach is interested in welfare of each player and listens.

A criticism of this is listening to advice from all quarters, which can be construed as weakness

Distant, yet approachable

Coach remains distant yet approachable and still remains prepared to listen to the players concerns.

This style makes it easier to make hard decisions like selection and disciplinary issues.

The danger is players may feel isolated and remote from decision making and team planning process.

Delegatory/ democratic

The head coach delegates tasks to a range of support staff with expertise in different areas.

Often at the elite level. Good communication between various

people is crucial. Coach must ensure that all people

involved are kept up to date.

Casual/ laissez-faire

Tends to coach by instinct with no clear plan or strategy.

Easy going passive approach requiring players to take more responsibility for their own game prep.

Criticism of this style is players feel unsupported and less valued. Often viewed as too casual and disorganised.

Negotiating

Places a high value on gaining input from players and support staff.

Recognises that experienced players can provide valuable input to training and game strategies.

Practice

The practice style involves the coach determining the aims, selecting the method of practice, and providing individual and group feedback.

Reciprocal

Each player is then encouraged to provide feedback to a partner

The coach determines the aims, while players are encouraged to be more independent and self-reliant.

Playing

Not strictly a coaching style. Offers the coach an exclusive

perspective on player performance. Must lead by example Danger of coach being becoming

absorbed in playing rather then coaching.

Also worry to much about coaching and forget playing role.

Non-playing/Bench

A coach who doesn’t actively play the game but observes from the sidelines to gain an overall perspective of the game.

Free of physical pressures involved with playing

Must be able to make sense of what happens and direct attention to the most important elements.

Characteristics of a respected Coach

Personal Qualities Strong values of honesty, integrity,

consistency, and frankness. They are trusted by players and support

staff. Organisation is a vital element to gaining

respect of players.

Knowledge

Has an extensive knowledge of the rules, strategies, and also biomech, skill acquisition, anatomy, exercise physiology, fitness testing, training principles, diet, injuries and sport psychology.

A coach must have the above info up to date to stay ahead of the opposition.

A coach will have more respect if he is seen to be up to speed.

Learner

The respected coach is an active and aggressive learner.

Keeps up to date with latest practices Attends conferences, read journals etc This commitment to learning also

spreads to players. Encourages growth

Respect

Exhibits respect for the individual athlete, their goals and ambitions

They are ambitious for their players and themselves to reach full potential.

Coaching Quals

Respected coach will have qualifications gained through either

National Coaching Accreditation scheme (NCAS).

Or the Australian Coaching counsel

Communication

Communication Skills

Its all about effective communication ! A coaches success ultimately depends

on their ability to communicate effectively with their players.

Skills such as talking, listening, negotiating, encouraging and counseling are vital tools a coach must posses.

Must be able to communicate with other staff.