In this article, I will explain in simple terms the differences between “Operant” and “Emergent” coaching styles. In football, we would call these “coach-led” and “player-led” learning styles. No style is suitable for all situations and the skill of the coach is in understanding the differences and using the most “appropriate” teaching/learning tool for your team when required.

The gamut between coach-led to athlete led is not as clear cut as many would have you believe. For example, you could use questions to ascertain their knowledge, a coach-led “game” to help them with their knowledge, a constraint-led “game” to advance their learning, followed up by a “free” game and questions to cement the new information. All of that could be contained in a single session and requires different styles of teaching. The key is to understand the differences and what you could do in each of the scenarios. Let’s dive in!

Operant Style of Coaching:

The operant style of coaching is based on a structured and planned approach, where the coach assumes the role of the decision-maker. In this style, the coach has predetermined objectives, drills, and strategies for the players to follow. The emphasis is on giving explicit instructions and providing specific feedback to shape the players’ behavior. Here are some key characteristics of the operant style:

Directive Approach: The coach takes charge and directs the training sessions, dictating what needs to be done and how it should be done.

Example: The coach designs a training session focusing on improving passing accuracy. They set up specific passing drills and provide step-by-step instructions to the players on how to execute each pass.

Planned Progression: The coach designs a progression plan, where skills and techniques are taught in a logical order, gradually increasing in complexity.

Example: The coach starts with basic passing exercises, then moves on to more challenging drills, such as passing under pressure or in tight spaces, to enhance the players’ passing abilities.

Reinforcement: The coach uses rewards and punishments to reinforce desired behaviors and correct mistakes.

Example: If a player successfully completes a passing drill as instructed, the coach might offer praise or a small reward. On the other hand, if a player repeatedly fails to follow instructions, the coach may provide corrective feedback or assign extra practice.

Emergent Style of Coaching:

The emergent style of coaching focuses on creating an environment that encourages players to explore and discover their own solutions. The coach acts as a facilitator, guiding the players’ learning process and fostering their decision-making abilities. Here are some key characteristics of the emergent style:

Guided Discovery: The coach poses questions, challenges, and problems to encourage players to think critically and find their own solutions.

Example: The coach sets up a small-sided game and asks the players to find ways to break through the opponent’s defense. Instead of providing direct instructions, the coach encourages players to experiment with different strategies and make decisions based on their observations.

Player-Centric Approach: The coach empowers players to take ownership of their development, allowing them to express their creativity and individuality within the game.

Example: During a training session, the coach gives players the freedom to explore different attacking patterns and encourages them to express their unique playing styles, such as dribbling skills or creative passes.

Adaptive Coaching: The coach adapts their coaching methods based on the players’ needs and progress, providing guidance and support when necessary.

Example: If a player is struggling to execute a particular technique, the coach might offer targeted suggestions or demonstrations to help the player improve. However, the coach allows room for the player to find their own way of executing the technique, promoting self-discovery.

In Summary

The operant style of coaching is more structured and directive, with the coach taking charge and providing specific instructions and feedback. On the other hand, the emergent style focuses on creating a player-centered environment that fosters creativity, decision-making, and problem-solving. The coach acts as a guide, encouraging players to explore and find their own solutions within the game. Both styles have their merits, and the choice depends on the coach’s philosophy and the developmental needs of the players.

As the coach your role is to understand the differences and decide which is the best tool to use to help the learning process. If you aren’t sure which one to use or you don’t think your knowledge is high enough then the best rule of thumb is to go down the athlete-led questioning approach.

Jose Mourinho once said, I have paraphrased here” “At Barcelona when I needed to coach, all I could do was ask the player as to what they think they should do to gain an answer and then encourage them to do that. How presumptuous of me to try and “tell” a world-class footballer how to defend. They know the answer they just need to get the answer from what they know and then go and do it.”

If one of the all-time greats can do it so can we all.