Coaching tips for the Nationals

You should now be entering your Specific competition phase ahead of the National Championships!

• Use short sharp speed drills (not over fatiguing)
• Use pressure situations in your coaching sessions
• Use rules to emphasise themes-then get players to perform. E.G. In last minute of a fight you are 3 points down, 'what will you do?' (don’t tell them ask them let them work it out!)
• Have FUN  this is sport, it's why people participate

Make sure your players get the most out of your coaching sessions. After your sessions or competition ask players to think about and reflect on their performance. Ask them the following:

• What went well?
• What didn’t go as well as you'd have liked?
• What would you change?
• What would you do differently next time?

Communication - KISS

             Keep
             It
             Short - N
             Simple

Considerations - It's not what you say it’s how you say it!

• Positive calm body language
• Good eye contact
• Clarify players understand your message/instructions
• Avoid emphasising the obvious when players make stupid mistakes

Game day

• Allow individuals to prepare in their preferred way
• What are the 3-4 key things they need to know? Don’t overload them!
• Don’t commentate between rounds, give them key messages that can make a difference
• If you’re in doubt about whether to say something-don’t say it
• Don’t give them excuses, E.G. 'I know he's bigger than you, I know you're tired etc.'
• Tell parents to be their kids biggest fan, but leave coaching & instructions to you

Feedback is the food of champions, but allow some cool down time for both you and your player, particularly if the result is not as you wanted.

“We perform quite well on autopilot with our attentions elsewhere, but higher performance demands fuller attention and no distractions”