The importance of clarity when coaching.

Ever been dumbfounded by the fact that one of your players couldn’t quite follow that perfectly simple instruction you gave them, or been deafened by silence following the most basic of questions you threw open to your squad?
Well, simple and basic in your mind that is, but how do we know that what we say, is in fact what they hear? Let me give you a real life example which happened to me during my time coaching in America…

Whilst putting on a practice for a group of recreational U10 players, I noticed that one particular player was reluctant to challenge for the ball during a small sided game. “Johnny, you are allowed to tackle now” I said, quite innocently as a means of explaining how the game was now competitive. What followed next I did not expect!! 

Upon his opponent receiving the ball, Johnny picked up speed, and performed the most incredible tackle ever seen…..for a game of rugby! Diving head first, wrapping his arms around the chest of his opponent as his shoulder drove him into the ground much like that of an Allblack performing a bone-crunching, try-saving tackle.

Despite being somewhat impressed that Johnny could perform such a feet, being the professional that we are I stopped the session to check the unfortunate victim was ok. I also asked Johnny “what was that?” To which he replied (with the most innocent and genuine face I had ever seen) “a tackle coach”. Obviously I felt I needed to clarify what I classed as a tackle, so I began to explain to young Johnny how I wanted him to tackle using his feet, within the rules of the game. 

Johnny’s reply…….. “Ohhhhh, you mean steal the ball!” 

The moral of the story? What might be clear as day in your mind, could be completely different in somebody else’s. Take the time and put yourself in their shoes, ask questions to check understanding, or even better demonstrate, with actions or visuals, because as the old cliche goes, a picture really does paint a thousand words. 

COACHES CHALLENGE…. 

Next time you’re with your players, set them the task of coming up with a “football dictionary” which has a number of words they like to use, and its definition. Following this, get all your players and coaches to sign and agree to use these words to help everyone improve. 

I think it’s fair to say I know which word would be first in my football dictionary….