Reader,
Recently, a colleague asked me the question, “What are the problems with formal coach education?”
It’s a thought-provoking question, and one that every coach may have a different perspective on, based on their own experiences.
I took my first coaching course in 2002, a level one course focused on working with junior players. There are still lessons I remember from those early courses, so in a sense, this is a success.
I was also very fortunate to have a great deal of in-situ support as I worked through my UEFA B and UEFA A licenses whilst working at Fulham and Brentford from some top coach developers, but I am well aware that this is a rarity for most coaches working in club environments.
I also always took the view that I could learn something new from any course. Whether I agreed or disagreed with everything presented, it’s important to go onto a course open-minded and looking to learn.
More so, the connections and informal conversations that take place on courses can be just as valuable as the content. Coaches connecting and sharing ideas, critiquing sessions or feeding back is a great tool in our development.
So, what are some potential problems or challenges with formal coach education we need to be mindful of?
Three Things to Consider
1 – In my experience now supporting coaches, many formal coaching courses still focus too much on what we coach, not how we coach.
Coaching is a balance; it’s a mix of art and science. Connecting with players, communication, task design, developing individuals, and leadership are all key ingredients, but we cannot forget that players are people, and we cannot correct before we connect.
2 – A lack of support, feedback or observation can be a limitation for coaches post-course.
Many PDP members and coaches I have worked with or mentored have talked about the quality of some courses, but that support can disappear after the course is completed. This is largely due to governing bodies often not having the resources to provide post-course connection and follow-up.
In order to navigate this, having other coaching colleagues watch and provide feedback, or regularly filming your own work to support reflection, could be a step towards closing the gap.
3 – Outdated ideas.
Because federations and governing bodies often have to plan years ahead, their coach education courses can lag behind. The game evolves quickly, but updating official content takes time, so courses don’t always reflect the latest ideas in player development or team performance.
This means we have to be constant learners, seeking out new research and ideas, and giving what we read or watch a critical lens. Copy and paste coaching largely never works.
One thing to try this week
Seek out a sounding board in the form of a coaching colleague or mentor who can provide you with support.
This could be as simple as approaching someone whose view or experience you respect and offering to buy them a coffee.
Ideally, aim to find someone who can work with you regularly in an observational capacity.
One Critical Resource on the Topic
Check out our collection of online coaching courses via the PDP academy, select the course that suits your needs and work through it at your own pace.
