“What would you like to practice today ?”
Is that a fair question to ask a player? - I’m not sure that it is
What's your opinion ?
I’ve heard that question many times at the start of a session
It seems a sensible thing for a Coach to ask
Or is it?
In a recent conversation with a coach, we discussed this question and how it seemed valid and a sensible thing for a coach to ask.
However, whilst we agreed that it sounded like a simple request, there were underlying problems.
As we chatted, the subject became more complex than we’d initially imagined.
Our discussion centred on the fact that players are not generally coached (encouraged) to consider how they practice. Therefore, to ask someone at the start of a session with no prior notice and no training, is that fair?
How do you develop the skills required for players to
consider what to practice and to understand what ‘practice’ is
What skills do players needs
Skills in how to critically reflect, and an appreciation of all different practice types.
Expecting and assuming that players must have these skills because they had already experienced practice could be a tough ask.
It could be argued that it takes coaches a long time to develop them, and therefore, what are the coaches’ expectations when they ask, “What would you like to practice today?”
Do you expect your players to be able to handle this question?
Different Questions to ask
- At the start of the session ask –
- What did we do in the last session, how did you feel about the things we did, and should we repeat any parts?
- Here are 3 practices/themes I have in mind, which shall we do?
- At the end of the session ask –
- Which parts (practices/themes) of today do we need to repeat next time?
- Next time, can you come along with 2 variations of practice you want to do, what subtle things would you change?
Do you ever ask questions like this?
Be that coach who purposefully develops players to contribute,
rather than just randomly ask them questions
Do you want a conversation?
I’d like to hear from you if you have a viewpoint on anything that you’ve read
We don’t need to agree, but explore viewpoints.
It would be great to hear from you, send me an email : contact@badmintonandy.com
This is part of a series of conversation starters.
Although not in detail, the posts are written to get you thinking and talking with others.
