Unit 8: Coaching for Performance
Investigate the skills, knowledge, qualities and best practice of performance coaches
Skills are defined as learned abilities that athletes acquire through training and practice. A person’s
capacity to perform at a high standard effectively and efficiently is also known as skills.
There are three types of skills classification. These are transferable or functional, personal traits or
attitudes and knowledge based.
Transferable or functional: This is actions that are taken in the act of performing a task or
activity. It is based on ability and talent. Examples include, organisation, promotion, writing
and analysing.
Personal traits or attitudes: This is traits or personality characteristics that include
performing work. This is developed form childhood and life experiences. Examples include,
patience, being results orientated, independence and being diplomatic.
Knowledge-based: This is knowledge about specific subjects, course of action and
information necessary to perform tasks.
Skill is a player’s capability to choose and perform the right techniques at the right time. This is when
it is done regularly, successfully and with a minimum of effort. Athletes use their skill to active
athletic objectives. For example, passing the ball in American football. Passing relies on the basic
sport skill of throwing. Passing requires accuracy as the player receiving the ball may have opposing
players near trying to block or intercept the ball.
Organisation of session
Organisation of skills need to be highly exhibited by a coach as it encourages participants to perform
to their highest and shows high levels of organisation. Participants maintain interest as they are
constantly working as the session has been planned with clear parts and exercises to help with
sessions. This means the coach can think of things such as.
Warmup’s- They need to know how long and intense the warmup needs to be to be able to
accompany the main exercise periods
Main activity- The main activity needs to be to the strength of every player, so everyone
feels included. They also need to include health and safety rules to ensure that everyone in
safe including themselves. This may be using softer balls in a game of dodgeball.
Resting periods- There participants need time to reenergise. This also stops boredom and
distractions.
A fully organised and fully prepared session should make certain
♦ Know the equipment's that are going to be used to stop detaining of the session and that
the equipment's are not going to be of risk to anyone.
♦ Have clear methods of starting and stopping the sessions effectively. This should be clearly
discussed with the participants beforehand. For example, blowing or whistle, hand signalling
for gathering or allowing participants to pick their own team members or picking team
members.
, ♦ The facility where the session is to take place. For example, if a game of badminton is to be
played, the session should not be held in the gym, and if a gym session is to be has, the
session should not be held on the astro turf.
Rapport building
Rapport building is defined as the development of mutual trust, friendship or resemblance with
someone. This can be beneficial to a sports leader as it helps establish good interpersonal
relationships and allows effective worship between coaches and participants, productivity and
teamwork. A rapport building is achieved when athletes feel comfortable and can still be challenged
and have a strong strength between both individuals. For example, a coach can turn up early for a
yoga session planned with their participants and set up equipment's. This builds trust as the coach
ids able to turn up on time and set up the right equipment.
A perfect coach who manifests this is Coach John Calipari. He is a basketball coach and the head of
University of Kentucky men’s team who won the NCAA Championship. According to him, trust is very
important between a coach and an athlete. This is through techniques such as, never promising in
the recruiting process and aiming at under-selling and over-delivering. As it is key to remember that
the athletes their trust the coach is also at stake. He believes it is important to create a family
atmosphere with the team where the players know that everyone on the team is there for each
other. This builds unity and chemistry over time.
This has led him to a 305-71 record at Kentucky and an official lifetime record of 708-209. He has led
his teams to the NCAA tournament 20 times in 27 seasons, with four official Final Fours and one title.
Communication
Communication is interpreted as the simple act of transferring information from one place, person
or group to another. Better communication from coaches will result in positive impact on athlete's
performance. Good communication skills also stimulate effectively a successful environment. There
are three main forms of communication used by coaches and those are,
Verbal communication
Non-Verbal communication
Listening skills
Verbal communication: This is important as it keeps language simple and free from technical
and composite slang. The use of these can be viewed as unprofessional and pretentious but
can also be viewed positively as relation to students or participants. A coach should make
sure information been given by them is correct and appropriate. Unappropriated or
misinformation encourage substandard demeanour form participants and may impact
learning. For example, if a teacher constantly swears in a class, they are more likely to lose
respect from students.
Verbal communication is also having the attention of the person/people they are speaking to.
After a coach has provided information, they should check that participants understand
what has been said and observe the performance of the athletes.
Non-Verbal communication: This is how communication such as facial expressions, gesture,
eye contact, posture, hand signals and tone of voice are used as imparting with others. An
