How often do you assist another coach

Collaboration, Courtside Conversations

Working with another coach is different – be careful!

Give it a try, there can be plenty to experience

How often do you assist another coach

Why not reach out to someone you know and ask them to work with you?

Or swap roles with a coach and support them for a few sessions

Why would you swap role and become an assistant

There are many benefits, some obvious, some you may not realise

Someone once told me, or was it an instruction!

“No matter your level of expertise, go and work as an assistant to someone else.”

I found it surprising that there is always something to discover or spark your interest, no matter who you work with. Even after 30 yrs on court, it’s great to see how other people coach (work).

This applies regardless of the experience of the other coach.

Please don’t dismiss the idea just because you believe that the other coach isn’t as knowledgeable as you.

It may sound easy, but it can be challenging for both coaches

How to set up the opportunity

This isn’t always easy, and some coaches may look at your request to assist with suspicion

In my experience, it’s not a normal thing for a coach to ask, often people wait to be asked rather than proactively create the scenario.

It’s not dependent on the level of expertise for who decides to ask first. Your desire to learn and share should drive you.

Ask because you want the experience.

But be aware, it can be a tough process!

How many times have you been asked by someone if they could be your assistant?

How many times have you asked another coach if you could either work with them or watch them work?

Did they react as you expected?

Ask without expectation

A “sorry I can’t today” may come back, and thats ok

How to behave

When you are assisting, do your best to follow the requests from the main coach

Offer help: “What would you like me to do?“, “How can I best help you?“, “What should I reinforce?“

If you have moments when you feel resistant to something, stay calm, and consider why you are causing yourself to feel as you do.

Unless the practice puts people in danger, either physically or emotionally, try to find value in it

Ask probing questions, but don’t expect a reply there are then. Wait until there is a short break.

Don’t undermine the coach and cause confusion with the players. Repeat what they say, or don’t say anything

Become a great observer of how someone delivers their message

Consider how they do things, what they say : copy that, see what happens

The benefits

Creates possibilities for new perspectives – would you want that?
Opportunities for both coaches to ask a question of each other – what’s the best time for these?
A chance for reflection/consideration – it may be the gateway to your development
The ‘lead’ coach needs to lead, then ask for feedback – are you willing for someone to reflect on your performance?
You make a new coaching friend - how many do you currently have?

The benefits of coach cooperation don’t always happen easily

– be prepared to be open and to be challenged

Your challenges

Ask another coach to come and work with you – who will you ask and what will you say?

Work as an assistant and stay supportive – what will you do if you disagree with the content?

At the end, have a conversation– take your time, don’t rush, and try to find value from it

If you want to read more, click on this image

Read all about how to improve your collaboration.

How to be inquisitive, ask great questions, share without expectation and use a decision framework. It will help you be a better assistant badminton coach.

Plus, why it’s important to test any new information on the court and in a game!