02/01/2015
For all Coaches who are Dads or Moms !
Part two of this week's focus on Dad coaches.
10 Simple things to remember when teaching a skill:
1. Your reputation is the most important part of your CV. Protect it for life. You are the Dad.
2. Learning a new skill does not come from one or two practices a week. As a Dad you have to look at your child with a long-term viewpoint. If you try to fit everything into one season there is a good chance your child will learn absolutely nothing. Isolate one skill and get it right. Only then should you move on to the next one.
3. The coach is just like a teacher. A teacher assesses their students; a coach assesses their players. To assess your child's skills you break them into key points (key factors) and the same should apply to your coaching techniques. You must think static and progress to dynamic where possible and always remember to go from the simple to the complex.
4. Demonstrate skills correctly. Are you competent enough? Sign up to www.coachingtoolbox.co.nz for all your required skills and video footage.
5. Use terms and keep them consistent eg Hands up… soft hands.
6. Assess with success. Combine assessment with praise. Show your satisfaction.
7. Remember, your child is not a miniature All Black – don’t treat them like it!
8. Remember to assess your own performance as well. Are you both getting the most out of these sessions.
9. Don’t assess or correct more than one thing at a time or you will confuse your child – pick one key point.
10. Practise, practise, practise!
