Reaching Disengaged Players through Tailored Coaching:
Here's a six-month process map developed by Ascent Youth Coaching to help a coach effectively break through to players who are struggling to understand concepts or not fully engaged during practice:
Month 1: Assessment and Connection
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Individual Assessment: Observe players who are struggling or disengaged to understand their learning styles and potential challenges.
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Private Conversations: Initiate one-on-one conversations with each player, creating a safe space to discuss their perspective and concerns.
Month 2: Adaptation and Clear Communication
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Adapt Coaching Style: Tailor your coaching approach to match each player's learning preferences, whether visual, auditory, or kinesthetic.
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Clear Instructions: Ensure your instructions are concise, specific, and well-articulated, minimizing confusion.
Month 3: Visual Aids and Practical Examples
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Visual Aids: Use diagrams, videos, or visual aids to illustrate complex concepts, making them more tangible and easier to understand.
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Practical Demonstrations: Incorporate live demonstrations of concepts during practice to provide a real-life understanding.
Month 4: Small Group Interactions
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Small Group Discussions: Divide the team into smaller groups to foster more intimate discussions, where players can ask questions and clarify doubts.
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Peer Teaching: Encourage players who grasp the concepts to help explain them to others, reinforcing their own understanding and enhancing team camaraderie.
Month 5: Goal-Oriented Challenges
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Goal Setting: Set individual and team goals that require a clear understanding of the concepts, motivating players to engage and learn.
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Problem-Solving Scenarios: Incorporate practice scenarios that require players to apply the concepts strategically, enhancing their understanding through active engagement.
Month 6: Personalized Feedback and Encouragement
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Individual Feedback: Provide specific and constructive feedback to each player, acknowledging their efforts and addressing areas for improvement.
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Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate progress and improvement, boosting players' confidence and motivation to stay engaged.
Remember, building effective communication and understanding within a team takes time. Patience, adaptability, and creating an environment of trust and support are key factors in breaking through to players who might be struggling or disengaged. By working with Ascent Youth Coaching and tailoring your coaching approach and fostering open lines of communication, you can effectively help every player grasp concepts and actively participate in practice. Email coachchris@ascentyouthcoaching.com to begin your ascent today!