Coaching Points: Retrieve, Rehearse, Reflect

To young players a week is a long time for them to remember all the things that increase the team's chances of winning games.

Players begin to forget pretty soon after you have spoken to them and this is a problem for coaches of all ages and abilities because remembering is important – it's your job to coach them!

So what should you do?

Let's start with your instructions – they need to be clear, short and sharp with a minimum of words and a maximum of a couple of coaching points that are understandable using language that suits the age of your players.

The best way to help them is on the training pitch having your team rehearsing your coaching points – it gives a player much more chance to remember it. Every coaching session you can revisit these coaching points so players retrieve, rehearse and reflect on them. This repetition is key to them remembering when they are under pressure in matches helping the team to be more likely to use your coaching to help them deliver success.

Top tips to help players remember your coaching points

1. Keep it simple: When delivering coaching points, use clear and concise language. Break down complex concepts into simple and understandable instructions that players can easily remember and apply on the field.
2. Use visual aids: Utilize visual aids such as diagrams, videos, or even physical demonstrations to reinforce your coaching points. Visual representations can significantly enhance players' understanding and retention of the information you're trying to convey.
3. Repeat and reinforce: Repetition is key to learning and remembering. Repeat important coaching points throughout your training sessions, and reinforce them through various drills and exercises. Consistent reinforcement will help players internalize the information and make it stick.
4. Connect with personal experiences: Relate coaching points to real-life situations or experiences that players can relate to. By creating a personal connection, players are more likely to remember and apply the information in practical scenarios during matches.
5. Provide practical examples: Give players concrete examples of how the coaching points can be applied on the field. Use game footage or live demonstrations to show players how certain techniques or strategies can be used in specific game situations. The more players can visualize and understand the practical applications, the better they will remember.
6. Use mnemonic devices: Employ mnemonic devices, such as acronyms, rhymes, or catchy phrases, to help players remember specific coaching points. These memory aids can make the information more memorable and easier to recall during games.
7. Break it down into smaller chunks: Rather than overwhelming players with a long list of coaching points, break them down into smaller, manageable chunks. Focus on one or two key points at a time and ensure players have grasped them before moving on to the next set of instructions. This approach prevents information overload and improves retention.
8. Encourage active participation: Engage players actively in the learning process. Encourage them to ask questions, provide examples, or demonstrate their understanding of the coaching points. By actively involving players, you enhance their comprehension and help them internalize the information more effectively.
9. Provide written or visual summaries: Share written or visual summaries of the coaching points after each session. This could be in the form of handouts, posters, or digital resources. These summaries serve as helpful reminders for players to review and reinforce what they have learned.
10. Continually review and revisit: Regularly review and revisit previously covered coaching points to reinforce learning and ensure players retain the information over time. Incorporate periodic quizzes or small tests during training sessions to gauge players' understanding and help them recall the coaching points from memory.

Remember, each player learns and retains information differently. It's essential to use a variety of teaching methods and adapt your approach based on the needs and learning styles of your players.