09  Coaching for Coaches - The Basics

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This section explores and guides the topic of coaching. It is aimed at new, intermediate and experienced coaches but it also acts as a reminder and also information about coaching for those parents, partners etc that are involved in our fantastic sport. 

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In this Coaching for Coaches section we present 3 essential components that every coach needs to understand. These are: -

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1. The Principles of a Good Coach

2. Coaching Pedagogy

3. Coaching Techniques

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1.0 The Principles of a Good Coach

First things first....In the practice of any sports coaching, it is not enough just to be experienced, knowledgeable, or a technical expert to be a coach. Also just because a 'retired' Short Track Speed Skater may have achieved the dizzy heights of international or olympic standards will necessarily make them an ideal coach. Yes this is a solid basis but beach a great coach is much more.....lets explore....

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Any good sports coach should possess a wide range of traits that can help them effectively guide their skaters to success. Here are some of the most important traits of a good short Track Speed Skating (or indeed any sports) coach: -

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1. Communication Skills: A coach must be able to communicate effectively with their skaters in order to convey information, give feedback, and motivate them to perform at their best.

2. Leadership: A coach must be able to lead by example and inspire their athlete skaters to follow their lead.

3. Technical Knowledge: A coach must possess a thorough understanding of Short Track Speed Skating in order to teach their skaters the necessary skills and strategies to succeed.

4. Adaptability: A good coach should be able to adjust their coaching style to accommodate the individual needs and learning styles of each athlete skater. However many athlete skaters like structure and consistency. It's a balance!

5. Passion: A coach should have a genuine passion for helping their skaters improve.

6. Patience: A coach should be patient with their athletes, recognising that improvement takes time and that setbacks are a natural part of the learning process.

7. Motivational Skills: A coach should be able to motivate their athletes to work hard and perform at their best, even in the face of adversity.

8. Organization: A coach should be well-organized and able to manage their time effectively, in order to plan and prepare for training sessions...both on-ice and off-ice.

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Whilst the above are good traits, undertaking how to apply those, through the term 'sports coaching pedagogy' is essential to being a successful coach. Let's take a look....

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2.0 Coaching Basics - Pedagogy

Big word pedagogy.....but sports coaching pedagogy is the study of teaching and learning in sports coaching. It encompasses the theories, principles, and methods of teaching and learning, and how they can be applied in sports coaching to improve an athletes / speed skaters performance and development.

 

There are a few key concepts in sports coaching pedagogy. Here are a few definitions and examples that can be directly applied to our sport of Short Track Speed Skating coaching and support.

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1. Learning styles: This refers to the way skaters prefer to learn, which can be visual, auditory, or kinesthetic. Understanding an athlete's learning style can help coaches tailor their coaching methods to suit the skaters needs. For example, a visual learner may benefit from watching videos of themselves to identify areas for improvement.

2. Feedback: This is the activity of providing information to skaters about their performance...either in racing, training, nutrition etc or any other related feedback. Feedback can be positive or negative. However it is important that feedback is timely, specific, and actionable to be effective. For example, a coach may give feedback to a skater on their technique during a training session.

3. Skill Acquisition: This is the process of learning and developing new skills. It involves breaking down complex skills into smaller parts and progressively building them up to develop mastery. For example, a coach may teach an athlete the basic skills of blade control, or in-corner body positioning, and gradually progress to more advanced skills.

4. Practice Design: This is the structure and organization of training sessions to enhance learning and skill acquisition. Effective practice design should consider the skaters, or group of skaters, level of ability, the desired outcomes, and the time available. For example, a coach may design a training session that includes skill-specific drills, tactical training, or race-based scenarios.

5. Motivation: This is the drive or desire to achieve a goal. Motivation can be intrinsic or extrinsic, and understanding what motivates the skater athlete can help coaches design training sessions that engage and challenge them. For example, a skater may be motivated by the desire to win a competition, or they may be intrinsically motivated by the enjoyment of the sport. This is especially true in Short Track as not everyone wants to be an Olympian....they just want to enjoy our fantastic sport but perform to the best they can.

6. Cognitive Load: This refers to the amount of mental effort required to complete a task. Cognitive load can impact learning and skill acquisition, and skating coaches should aim to reduce cognitive load by breaking down complex skills into smaller parts and providing clear and concise instructions. This is especially needed inn Short Track as it is both a technical and physical sport. For example, a coach may break down the complex body skills skills needed to enter a bend at speed.

7. Pedagogical Content Knowledge: This is the specific knowledge and skills that coaches require to effectively teach and develop their skaters. This includes knowledge of our sport, popular and proven teaching methods, and understanding how athletes learn. For example, a coach may have pedagogical content knowledge about the biomechanics of a skaters required movements and how to teach it effectively to the skater.

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In conclusion, understanding sports coaching pedagogy is essential for Short Track coaches to effectively teach and develop their skaters...at whatever level that skater is and whatever level that skater wants to achieve....By incorporating these concepts into their coaching practice, coaches can enhance skater performance, enjoyment and achieve goals.

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3.0 Coaching Basics - Coaching Techniques*

Coaching techniques are another essential part of the coaches understanding and knowledge base. Below we highlight a number of proven coaching techniques, their definition and how this can be applied to Short Track.

*Credit to Adam Hill Jnr for the contribution to this section. Adam is a British based athlete and World Cup level Short Track Speed Skater.

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