In the world of coaching, one of the most critical skills you can develop is the ability to “see” — that is, to discern whether a movement performed by an athlete is correct or not just by observing it. Developing this skill isn’t just about having a keen eye; it’s about understanding the subtleties of human motion and the consequences of each slight adjustment. Here’s how you can sharpen your visual acuity in the coaching field.
The Importance of Observation
First, recognize that becoming proficient at spotting inaccuracies and understanding their causes requires practice—lots of it. Just as a musician listens to a variety of compositions to understand different styles, coaches should observe a broad array of athletes. Watch as many matches as you can, focusing not just on competitions but also on practice sessions. Pay special attention to how top athletes execute movements compared to beginners. This comparison will help you grasp the finer details that differentiate mediocre performance from excellence.
Feeling the Movement
Sometimes, visual cues are not enough, especially when it comes to internal aspects like weight distribution. In such cases, don’t hesitate to employ a more hands-on approach. Ask the athlete to perform the movement with you as the partner. This tactile feedback can provide insights that are difficult to capture through sight alone, giving you a better understanding of what might be going wrong.
Safety First
While your primary goal might be to enhance performance, safety should always come first. Beginners, in particular, are prone to adopting risky positions without realizing the potential for injury. Always keep a watchful eye on safety, and intervene when a movement could lead to harm, regardless of its effectiveness.
Managing Feedback
When you spot mistakes, it can be tempting to correct every single one. However, overwhelming your athlete with feedback can be discouraging. Instead, make them feel progressive and competent. Introduce corrections gradually and celebrate small victories to build confidence and foster a positive learning environment.
Prioritizing Corrections
In situations where multiple errors occur simultaneously, effective triage becomes essential. Prioritize corrections in this order:
- Issues that could lead to injury: Always address these first to ensure the athlete’s safety.
- Root causes that lead to multiple problems: Identifying and correcting a fundamental error can often resolve several issues at once, making your coaching more efficient.
- Problems that, when corrected, yield significant improvement: Focus on changes that will most enhance the athlete’s performance.
After determining which problem to tackle first, you can focus on how to make the necessary adjustments.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of “seeing” in coaching doesn’t come overnight. It requires dedication, a deep understanding of the mechanics of movements, and an empathetic approach to teaching. By focusing on observation, prioritizing safety, managing how you deliver feedback, and learning to feel movements as well as see them, you’ll not only become a more effective coach but also a trusted mentor in your athletes’ journey toward excellence.