CATCH THEM BEING GOOD
“30 seconds or less,” Kenichi Yatsuhashi former DOC for Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association would emphasize. That was the time for kids to start playing during practice.
That time becomes ever more important when you are coaching a player virtually. Connection, demonstration, and explanation need to be clear and concise in seconds.
TECHNOLOGY CAN BE GOOD….
I kicked off my virtual coaching last weekend with 3, 30-minute sessions, with 15 a minute break in between.
I informed parents of the session the night before via a Google Form so I could monitor attendance. Those who signed up would receive the invitation with login details.
All ready to go. Wrong! Fifteen minutes before the first session I tested the link. I could not ‘Admit’ a participant. I tried with multiple devices but none could connect to the meeting.
Worst, the first 2 sessions had to be cancelled. Prior to the start of session 3, I resorted to deleting the initial link and creating a new meeting.
Light at the end of the tunnel.
FAILING TO PLAN, IS PLANNING TO FAIL
Your virtual coaching session demands more planning than coaching on the field. Unlike being on the field where all players encounter the same environment, now there are differences for every child.
The location (indoor/outdoor), space, playing surface, connection, and parent support will all vary. You will experience players with a ball that is either too big or too small.
‘CONTROL THE SESSION’
Who needs to be in control?
Your players will be in control the more you make them play.
Playing gives them ownership, autonomy, and power making it easier for you to engage and motivate.
Saying less and having them do more, will make your virtual practice more entertaining for the player.
VIRTUAL SESSION – MUST-DO
- Perform a ‘dry-run’ on links, camera angle at least 90 minutes before
- Plan a library of games/activities centered around 1 player with, 1 ball (‘me & my ball)
- Less is more. A brief, concise explanation with a demonstration.
- Allow activities to be performed for at least 30 seconds. Repetition is the mother of learning.
- Engage players by creating challenges, competitions among themself, and at times among the group.
- Ask your players to share a video of the skills practiced for a raffle.
How have you been coaching your players virtually? What has been challenges along your journey?
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