Coaching can be described as a style of management. The management of self, others and of circumstances is dictated by the type of teacher/leader/coach you are.

One of the biggest challenges for coaches is how can you move away from command-control style towards a dynamic style that allows your players to grow through self analysis and reflection.

One of the greatest comments made that reflects how I believe coaching should occur is

A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor

We create sessions that are “messy” and have challenging outcomes yet do we really drive the same level of engagement with the questioning of our players.

Changing the dynamic

Asking the “right” coaching question can change a one-way exam into a dynamic and engaging learning opportunity. A good question can make a player think and consider their actions from a different perspective or they find a solution to an issue that has been a problem to them for a while. The player needs to be able to recognise the act and then change their action in the playing moment.

Coaches mindset is vital before any questions are asked. We have a coaching mindset that allows us to see the training session and understand the scenarios that we will work with to achieve knowledge in our players. Do we have a questioning mindset when it comes to increasing the knowledge of our players?

Questioning Mindset

A key challenge is to accept and recognise that the learning and success triggers in players is unique to each individual. Our questions should be linked to each individual player’s current level.

Before you ask a question of any player have you instantly considered:

• What can they handle and what is the next step in their development
• Current skill levels against key outcomes and triggers
• Learning preferences and how the player processes information and makes decisions
• Motivations and personal values of the player
• Habits and group engagement levels that may be holding the player back

Putting yourself into the questioning mindset of always ensuring the questions link to player development is a challenge. Too often we ask questions to get the answer we want for the group so the group hears the coaching message.

Actions

• Take the time to understand each of your players and then think about the words and actions that allow each individual to excel.
• Take notes on each player and how they respond to the questions they are asked. Review the emotional outcome from the questions – read their body language and see if they attempt to improve or just go back to their learnt behaviours. What was the “real” outcome of the questions your asked?
• When creating your session plan take the time to consider the questions you will ask of individuals during the session. Not the team but the individuals in the scenarios.
• Consider the phrasing of the question and what brings out the learning trigger for each individual.

To teach/coach knowledge of any situation is easy if you command but to fully engage with a player and have them find the solution that works you need to facilitate their solution finding tools. Take as much time thinking of the questions for players as you do with writing the session and the scenarios that occur on the grass and you may be surprised by the outcomes.