Reader,
We often talk about the importance of communication in coaching. Over the years, we have explored different intervention styles, from Q&A and guided discovery to drive-by coaching. However, there is an often-overlooked element of communication that can completely transform your learning environment: the pause.
When a player makes a mistake or a session breaks down, our instinct as coaches is usually to jump in immediately and offer a solution or ask a question. This urge to “fix” things is often driven by a desire to be helpful, but it can inadvertently rob the player of the cognitive work required to solve the problem themselves.
In Doug Lemov’s excellent book, The Coach’s Guide to Teaching, he discusses the concept of “Wait Time“. By intentionally pausing for 3 to 5 seconds after a mistake is made, or after asking a question, you give players the necessary psychological space to process what just happened, reflect on their physical execution, and formulate their own answers.
Silence can be golden on the sidelines. It gives players the peace to enjoy the game and allows us to see what they can truly do on their own. If we are constantly filling the void with our voices, we create dependent players who look to the bench for answers instead of scanning the pitch
Three Things to Consider
1. Count to three: The next time you ask your team a question, silently count to three before speaking again or picking a player to answer. Notice how many more players raise their hands or look engaged.
2. Are you adding value or noise: Before you intervene, ask yourself if your voice is genuinely going to help the player in that split second, or if you are simply validating your existence as a coach.
3. Embrace the silence: Football is a chaotic game. Let the players communicate with each other to solve the problems emerging on the grass.
One thing to try this week
During your next small-sided game, challenge yourself to observe a “silent 10 minutes“. Do not speak, instruct, or praise. Sit down, observe your players’ natural habits, and see how they self-organise when the coach’s voice is removed.
One Critical Resource on the Topic
Check out our PDP Guide on Communicating With Children, which explores the balance between asking, telling, and empowering our players.
