The "Artistic" Side Of The Equation

Is it possible that three different coaches could run the same exact drill, yet one coach could get more from that drill than the others? I mean, one coach's players would actually learn and improve, while the other two squads might not? You bet.

Since all the coaches were running the same drill, we have to assume that the same amount of science was involved. However, what's likely very different is the "artistic" approach used by each.

It's quite probable that each coach will introduce his or her drill in a unique mannner. Of course, this could include the kinds of tools they might use (like a greaseboard), but it also has to do with how well each explains himself or herself, and it even has to do with how a coach demonstrates and describes what he or she is looking for in the form of acceptable execution.

Artful approaches also carry-over to the way the coaches will observe a given drill, and then how they'll provide effective feedback during the drill.

As a tip in this area, I don't confine myself to babysitting the front of a line. Hey, I figure I'm too valuable for that. So, rather than wasting a coach to tell the players when to start a drill, I tell everyone to go on their own when the player in front of them reaches a given spot in the drill. (You know, I could probably bribe a chimpanzee with one banana to have him toot a whistle every few seconds!) Then, with the drill underway, I like to station myself right in the middle of the work-area. And, I hardly get a chance to catch my breath as I bark short, quick phrases of feedback to each player as he or she passes by.

At the conclusion of a drill, the artful coach will provide a worthwhile wrap-up, informing the players on how they did, and suggesting how they might improve in future practice sessions.

Actually, you should know that the above techniques can be found in most "Principles of Motor Learning' textbooks. They're tried and true ways for getting the most from any type of movement training. Still, I've noticed that most really effective coaches develop their own artistic teaching methods beyond those outlined above.