Time is one of the most valuable resources a coach has. Whether you’re guiding a group of eager beginners or a class of seasoned athletes, managing time effectively can make or break your sessions. Here’s how to ensure you’re respecting everyone’s time while delivering top-notch instruction.
Punctuality Matters
Start and end your class on time. Your members plan their day around your posted schedule, so it’s crucial to respect their time. Running late, whether at the start or the end, disrupts their plans and shows a lack of respect for their commitment.
Plan Every Minute
Having a detailed lesson plan with a strict timetable is essential. This plan should break down every part of the lesson to the minute, ensuring that each section gets the attention it deserves. Stick to this timetable religiously. If you find yourself running over time, you’re likely overexplaining techniques or spending too much time on corrections.
Focus on Key Details
Don’t overwhelm your class by trying to teach everything you know at once. Focus on the most important details during your demonstrations. Add layers of complexity only when necessary. Remember, you’re teaching a class, not hosting a seminar. Keep your instructions concise and to the point.
Balance Individual Attention
While it’s important to correct individual athletes, don’t spend too much time on any one person. Aim to help them improve, not achieve perfection in a single session. Overloading an athlete with too many corrections can be discouraging. Fix the most critical issue, praise their efforts, and move on to the next person.
Prioritize the Group
In large classes, you might run out of time when making corrections. Always prioritize the group. If you can’t address an issue immediately, let the athlete know you’ll get back to them during or after the class. This ensures the lesson continues smoothly for everyone else.
Never Cut Sparring Time
Sparring is often the highlight of the class for many members. Never cut this time short, even if the technique portion ran over. Sparring is not only fun but also crucial for practical application and member retention. Respect this time to keep your students engaged and coming back.
Clear Endings
Make sure to mark the end of your class clearly. This avoids any confusion about whether it’s okay to leave. A clear ending also provides a sense of closure and accomplishment for your members.
Conclusion
Effective time management is about respecting your members’ time and ensuring that every part of your lesson plan gets the attention it deserves. By sticking to a strict timetable, focusing on key details, balancing individual attention, prioritizing the group, and respecting sparring time, you can run smooth, efficient, and enjoyable classes. Happy coaching!