This blog
is aimed at new archery coaches. Coaching courses will give a great overview of
ways to teach and this is just a quick addition of things to keep in mind.
However, the tips here are from the point of view of new archery students –
what the students want.
1. Be consistent
Think carefully about
your suggestions, as constantly changing your students technique leads to
confusion. It is inevitable that things will change, but just give some thought
to your suggestions for each student before you start teaching.
2. Keep it simple
Simplicity will increase
the student’s ability to remember the point you are trying to make. Be concise
when explaining something, vague ideas or rambling and unnecessary information
make it difficult for the student to pick out the important information.
3. Ask what the archers want to achieve
From the students point
of view they often wish to solve a particular problem. You will have a greater
chance of keeping their interest and enthusiasm if you mould your lesson plans
to their goals. Although it may be important for the archer to concentrate on
other aspects, keeping the lessons interesting is particularly important when
teaching juniors.
4. Be approachable
There’s nothing worse
than a grumpy, shy, mean or a quiet coach. This will rapidly put off new
members and decrease archery performance due to the lack relaxation. Students
learn a lot from the questions they ask, so make sure they feel comfortable asking.
5. "I don't know"
Archers would prefer if
you are honest and say “I don’t know” rather than try to give them wrong
advice. As always, you can look it up and get back to them or refer them to
another archer.
6. Positive reinforcement – never be
negative
Although you often see
coaches encouraging juniors by phrasing good arrows, it is still important to
be positive with adults. I can’t think of many people who would respond well to
consistently pointing out their errors as this will just stress the archer and
decrease performance.
7. Point out good reading media
Keen new archers often
want reading material. If you know of a good web site, a good book or even a
good DVD then point them in the right direction.
8. Be interested in their development
This is particularly
important when coaching juniors. Juniors look up to good archers, and having
interest shown in their development will increase their enthusiasm and thus how
often they practice.
9. Explain your reasoning
Keep explanations
simple, but do explain why you are suggesting something. This will help the
archer remember the suggestion. For more advanced archers, an explanation will
give a base to decide which techniques are right for them.
10. Remember what it was like for you to
learn
Some coaches have been shooting many
years before they undergo the coaching course. Try to think back to when you
started, what information do you wish you were told and if you had any bad
coaches, why were they bad?
Whatever
your reasons for becoming a coach, whether for business or for your club, speak
to other coaches and some valuable tips. For further information on becoming a
coach visit the Archery GB web site
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