Reply To: Game Intelligence / Decision Training

[hockeygod]

hockeygod wrote:
Happy Birthday Dean. It sounds like the clinic was a success. Once coaches start using games and transition games they don't want to just do drills anymore and the players enjoy the practices even more.

Tom,

You are 100% correct sir!

One of my high school classes today played a 2 vs 2 Spartan Box Matrix for the 2nd time and loved it! The teacher said, "You should hear the kids on the bus on their way back to school. They are all chirping each other and recounting how great they are – or aren't – based on their daily results during the games you play. It sounds like they really enjoy them and are pretty competitive while playing."

It's funny, because to an outsider, it would look like we aren't doing anything… standing fairly silently and watching the kids… who are 'only' playing cross ice shinny – 2 vs 2 – and recording things on a sheet while holding kids accountable to the parameters of the game; but in essence, the game is teaching them. We are shutting up and letting them play… struggle and problem solve on their own. Then we review it at the end and ask for observations. We might have to guide them, but we accomplish what we expect. The kids probably don't even realize they are learning through the game – implicit learning – which has far greater and longer reaching positive effects than TELLING THEM what they should be doing! Of course, we keep score and hold the losing teams accountable… this maximizes attention, intensity and focus because there is something on the line…!

Dean
M.Ed (Coaching)
Ch.P.C. (Chartered Professional Coach)
Game Intelligence Training
"Great education depends on great teaching."