In my experience the most effective coaches, like the best chefs, are the ones who have a good understanding of the ingredients, “coaching knowledge”, but are also capable and willing to add their own flavours, “personality”, to take their session to another level.
In order to master coaching at any level, as well as gaining as much coaching knowledge through coach education courses; it is as important to develop a variety of skills which cannot be taught. These skills are built up by the personal experiences you have.
Based on some of my own experiences, here are 5 tips which I hope will be useful in developing your own coaching personality within the sessions you deliver;
1)Be Creative – Never be afraid to get creative, think outside the box and adapt the drills during your sessions. If you have a belief that something will work, don’t restrict yourself! Add a goal, a cone, a rule, a player, an objective…, ask yourself if you were playing in the drill what would make it even more fun?
2)Celebrate Like A Fan – All coaches are football fans first. During sessions celebrate your players goals, skills, passes, attempts and great play like you would watching your own team. Cheer, clap and encourage. Your players will love it, it will build their confidence, give them positive feedback and as a coach it will help you enjoy your work.
3)Show A Genuine Interest In Your Players – Never forget it is all about the players! Get to know them properly. Who do they support, who’s their favourite player, give them a fun nickname, ask them how their day was, tell them individually how well they played in your last game. You’ll be surprised how much a good relationship with your players can help you loosen up during your coaching sessions.
4)Dynamic Demos – Before you ask players to do something, try to demonstrate it yourself in the most dynamic way. Reference players they know e.g. “How would Messi dribble? How would Rooney shoot?” Build a real buzz for the activity by raising your voice and showing your own excitement performing the skills. The players will be visually engaged and eager to get started.
5)Smile – Probably the simplest piece of advice I was given as a young coach, but to this day one of the most effective….“Show the players you are enjoying the session too!”. The power a smile has during your sessions is absolutely amazing. To your players it shows you care, you are enjoying watching them play and you really want to be there. For yourself a smile will always makes you feel better….FACT!