Game Time Coaching

There are many different styles and approaches to coaching during the game. Some coaches will direct their players during every minute of the game and are very active while some coaches like to sit back and just let their players play. Neither is completely wrong but as a coach you have to find a balance between them both. Yelling at your players constantly will only slow their development down since they won’t be able to make decisions on their own or understand the decisions they have to make during the game. On the other hand, just letting your players play can also have the same effect because they might not realize they are making a mistake or know how to fix it.

During the game you should constantly observe the overall picture of the game. Developing an eye for this takes practice because as fans we only watch where the ball is and the surrounding action. As a coach you have to quickly scan the field and come up with an assessment of the following items:

-Your team’s shape
-Opponents team shape
-Individual match ups that are good or bad
-Injured or tired players
-Tempo of the game
-Your team’s energy, intensity, and focus
-Weaknesses in the opponent
-Who is performing well and who isn’t
-Whether your initial plan is working

Keeping track of all of this can be very difficult so you should try to jot down some notes so that you can cover them with your team at half time. If you have an assistant coach then they can help you scan the field while the game is going on.

There is much debate as to the style a coach instructs their players and the attitude a coach has on the bench. Some coaches are very animated and will yell at their players and the officials while some will be more constructive and calm towards their players and officials. Knowing your players’ personality will help you develop a better coaching style. Some players need to be yelled at to get through to them while others need constructive comments. If you have been constructive with a certain player and they don’t seem to respond then maybe you can increase your intensity until you find the right balance. Whatever style you use with your players you should always try to stay calm when dealing with the referees. Your players will feed off of what you say so if you are complaining about every call in a negative manner then they will begin to complain and not focus on the game as they should. The following are some effective ways and times to instruct your player:

-Be clear, concise, and calm
-Avoid degrading comments and harsh treatments
-Make it relevant and be accurate
-Talk to your player when they are off the ball or out of the immediate play
-You can call players to the sideline when there is a break in play such as an injury.
-Use positive body language and hand signals