approaches to coaching and instruction

• what is the direct coaching approach?

  • traditional direct coaching - rigid and provide feedback on every practice attempt
  • learner has limited need or opportunity to make decisions, to adapt to large variability or to think independently
  • requires coach to make decisions about:
  • task selection
  • task sequency
  • structure of how tasks are to be performed
  • timing of when tasks will be performed
  • duration of time spent on practice tasks
  • how tasks will be modified and progressed to make them easier or harder as required
  • how technique and strategies will be refined and implemented
• what are the three types of constraints?

  • environmental constraints
  • individual constraints
  • task constraints
• what are some example of individual constraints?

  • Fitness level
  • Skill level
  • Body size (height/weight)
  • Motivation
  • Cognitive ability
  • Age, gender
• what are some examples of environmental constraints?

  • Physical:
  • Playing surface
  • Quality of facilities
  • climate/weather
  • Noise levels
  • Sociocultural (4 P’s)
  • Peers
  • Parents
  • Positive role models
  • Price (socioeconomic status)
• what are some examples of task constraints?

  • Rules
  • Dimensions (area size)
  • Equipment
  • No. of players
• what are the requirements for coaches to have a constraints-based coaching approach?

  • a solid knowledge of specific sports
  • experience with developing a range of games and manipulating the constraints
  • an understanding of the unique individual constraints, strengths and weaknesses
• what are the advantages of direct coaching?

  • maximises practice time
  • time efficient
  • rapid rate of learning
  • coach centred - feedback can be directed to cognitive learners
  • learning is explicit (coach directed)
• what are the disadvantages of direct coaching?

  • boring
  • not as adaptable/functional
  • tend to break down under game-like pressure
  • decision making skills and tactical awareness aren't developed
  • learner: perception & actions not combined (don't know where to use skills/use intrinsic feedback)
• what is direct coaching?

  • coach controls the selection of practice, drills, timing, difficulty level then provides feedback to performers to assist with technique/skill development
  • explicit instrustions
  • coach centred
  • learner is passive
  • highly organised - emphasis on mastering skill technique
  • closed environment
  • coach provides feedback on technique development
  • very little decision making from learner
• what is constraints based coaching?

  • mainpulates the three types of constraints (individual/task/environment)
  • learner actively involved
  • modified game approach e.g. rapid fire
  • enables learner to find a movement solution
  • learn technique, decision making and tactical awareness through modified games
  • more of a game-based approach
  • includes game element
• what are the advantages of constraints based coaching?

  • practice is more game like
  • learning is implicit - learner centered (pick things up as you go)
  • more efficient tactical development
  • for autonomous learners (more challenging)
  • adaptable function skills learnt
  • more practice variability + engagement
• what are the disadvantages of constraints based coaching?

  • slower skill development
  • challenging for cognitive learners
  • less structured learning - more initiative
  • less direct control of skill development + techniques
  • more challenging to monitor workload
  • coach requires more experience