PaceSetter Book

Coaching & Leadership 2

2.4 Observation

WEB COPY ©EVEQUE As the group practises the skill, the coach should try to focus upon individual young athletes and assess the quality of their performances. • Are they doing what was asked? • Is the quality of the work good enough? • Can examples of good work be seen? • Are movements / skills becoming consistent and effective? In the light of these observations the coach may: 1. Stop the group and correct a general fault at the appropriate time. 2. Talk to an individual and correct his or her performance. 3. If the coach is unable to demonstrate the activity or skill, one or two athletes from the group can be used to demonstrate examples of good technique to the rest of the group. 4. Continue to let the group work and go round praising, encouraging and helping individuals, if everything is progressing well. 5. Allow young athletes to work in pairs and act as observers as well as performers. Summary of effective delivery of teaching a skill a) Talk through the skill b) Give a practical demonstration with brief explanation c) Allow time for practice d) Observe the result e) Provide information while practice continues with assistance from peer group coaches f) Allow time for further practice WEB COPY ©EVEQUE Remember… 'Doing things right is not as important as doing the right thing'.

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