There are three main accepted
methods of learning: seeing, hearing and doing. Mix your
coaching methods to help players who predominantly only respond
to either one or two of these styles.
Show me
A visual learner observes everything. They will focus on your
body language rather than what you are saying. To engage them,
you need to use facial expressions, demonstrations and visual
cues. Instead of explaining how to catch a ball, show them and
emphasise the key factors.
They switch off if you talk for too long without showing
anything for them to look at. They may also not understand what
you mean unless they have seen the skill in action.
Tell me
An auditory learner hears what you say and is sensitive to how
you say it. Your tone, volume and speed of speech all impact on
how they take in information. They are easily distracted by
noises as they are trying to hear every word and how you say
them.
They will be players who stand at the front of the group and nod
as you are talking. They will ask questions to clarify things.
It may take them longer to put what they have heard into
practice, and they will need to be reminded of the key factors
until they have the skill mastered.
Let's just do it
A doer will have a short concentration span unless actively
involved. Even demonstrations won't engage them unless they are
the one demonstrating. They are likely to be at the back of the
group when you are talking and will probably be distracting
others. Keep them active.
Use these players for demonstrations and get them to put into
words what they are doing. Encourage them to stand at the front
of the group and, if necessary, give them a ball to play with
while you are speaking.
