Coaching in Pairs
As with all clubs, we have had a big push on coach development this season. The FA support the professional clubs in the form of FA Youth Coach Developers (FAYCD) - experienced, coach educators who link into your club to support the development of the coaching workforce.
The FAYCD has supported many of our coaches through a variety of qualifications but more importantly has been an additional tool to support coaches to reflect and improve their practice.
Our latest discussion was about how we coach in pairs. It was something that hadn't really crossed my mind in too much detail before - but our chat has made me reflect more and more about it.
Thinking back, I remember planning sessions with my co-coach: "you do this bit, I'll do this bit and that bit, and then you finish with that bit." I thought this was being organised and effective.....but in fact, on reflection found myself switching off when it wasn't my 'bit' or stepping back, not wanting to interfere with my co-coach's 'bit'.
Whilst pointing at my co-coach, I was asked "What is he doing whilst your coaching now?"
I had no answer. I guess it was because it was my turn to coach, not his.
Sounds silly when you think about it. I have 16 players to coach, and my co-coach (who is equally, if not more, experienced and qualified as I am) is left watching. If we work together we have 8 each - twice as much support, twice as much individual learning, twice as effective.
This sparked a second discussion - what next? How do we effectively work in pairs? Here are some of our thoughts:
Small Sided Games? One coach supports one team, the other supports the opposition. Its much easier to develop, monitor and review team, unit and individual challenges for one team!
Unit specific work? This week I'm working with the defensive unit on a specific topic. Your partner can work with the attacking players. This can provide the players with specific and relevant detail, and in turn raise the challenge for the other players. If the attackers are more focussed and challenged, the challenge for the defenders will increase. You create a positive cycle where the players challenge each other.
Team play? Whilst your co-coach is working with the team, take your time to observe the players. Which players are coping, which ones are striving ahead and which ones are struggling? Once you figure this out, offer some support, challenges and/or praise to an individual. No one else needs to hear the intervention and no need to stop the group, an effective 'drive-by' intervention.
As always, simple solutions that can have a big impact.