Reply To: Game Intelligence / Decision Training

[hockeygod]

Aberdeen wrote:
amazes me how many coaches see something an NHL team does and then try to do that with their team.

I agree.

Professional sports are much publicized and accessible via various media. Pros are seen as role models because they are 'at the top of the mountain' and people want to emulate their 'heroes'. When someone like Tiger Woods 'falls', it becomes bigger than life.

It's great when there are positive things deserving of attention (pure skills, examples of sportsmanship and respect, healthy competition, etc.) but these seem to be occurring far less (or go unreported) than less desirable acts. (Thus, becoming fodder for my violence in sport and general stupidity topic… which I maintain to try to convince people there are better ways to act! The preponderance of 'bad news' becomes absurd in itself; hopefully people begin to recognize this and work towards creating 'good news' stories.)

Speaking of skills and tactics, what pro players are capable of are far beyond the realm of youth players (and a lack of 'true' understanding of the game by 99.9 % of youth (and pro!) coaches… the 'why' and 'how')… when the youth coaches should be focusing on developing the basic skills (challenging, yet realistic goal achievement… setting "SMART" goals), learning life lessons through sport and having FUN!!! Why do we complicate things so much?

Kids (and adults) just want to PLAY and enjoy the competition! Not too many people, when given a choice between games or drills, pick drills! Kids need to skate, control the puck, pass and shoot, understand and perform the 4 game playing roles… with their head up, at game speed, under pressure in a competitive environment, consistently. This is success.

Coaches seem to think kids are miniature adults and can't understand (or get frustrated) why they can't perform like the pros, or don’t understand the game like the pros. Coaches need to realize their kids are a work in progress. I believe that within each kid lies the seeds of greatness… a Jordan, a Pele, a Gretzky in waiting… sadly, far too few ever become actualized. The kids need to be in the ‘right time at the right place’ to experience a master coach whisperer who nurtures their inner greatness.

"Shoot!" "Pass!" "Stop! Move over there!" “Don’t do that!”… Coaches TELL kids what to do all the time… as if to impress them with their vast knowledge. This encourages DEPENDENT ATHLETES instead of letting them struggle, fail, learn, problem solve for themselves… so they become independent of the coach. They will figure things out via the game… intelligent coaches can help guide them using experiential learning (appropriate activities and games), and a questioning approach. Coaches should SHUT UP more, watch, guide the process… don't TELL them what to do and hold them accountable.

I think the best players ‘accidentally’ become the best despite coaches trying to tell them what to do and crushing their spirit. We must strive to protect and nurture the seeds of greatness within each player.

Many coaches lament the abilities of their kids and blame the previous coach for their shortcomings. "What the Hell did that person teach them? They don't even know how to breakout" … (____ insert shortcoming here.)

I say that coach needs to take a long, hard look at himself (or herself) – their philosophy and their actions; not 'blame' the previous coach. My typical response to a coach who blames the previous coach on his players’ shortcomings is, “The previous coach is yesterday's news. You are their coach now. It's YOUR JOB to help them get better. Take some personal responsibility to help make your kids great. What are YOU doing to enable them to become their very best? How are YOU going to do that?”

Tough question… and most coaches don't (truthfully) have an answer… and I bet they didn't want to have to face that question.

I ask each coach to take this challenge themselves. Ask yourself the tough questions. Think carefully. Develop an action plan. Don't place blame; take Personal Responsibility In Developing Excellence. (PRIDE).

Get back to playing games, especially early on, to teach the game. Enjoy the game because it is a game… it ain't rocket science and it ain't gonna cure cancer. Keep it in perspective!

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