Coaching Styles
Coaches will use a variety of coaching styles depending on the coaching situation. There are perhaps three coaching styles - autocratic (do as I say), democratic (involve the athletes in decision making) and laissez-faire. The autocratic style could be broken into two types - telling and selling and the democratic style, sharing and allowing. There is a little direction from a "Laissez fair" coaching style as this style allows the group to do what they want to.
Autocratic Style - Telling
When using the Telling style, the coach:
- decides on what is to be done
- defines what to do and how to do it
In a circuit training session, the athletes are told the exercises in the circuit.
Autocratic Style - Selling
When using the Selling style, the coach:
- decides on what is to be done
- explains what is required and the objectives
- ask the athlete questions to confirm understanding
- defines what to do and how to do it
In a circuit training session, the athletes are informed of the exercises in the circuit. The coach explains the object of circuit training and the purpose of each exercise. Athletes can ask questions to clarify any points.
Democratic Style - Sharing
When using the Sharing style, the coach:
- outlines the training requirements for the athletes
- invites ideas/suggestions from the athletes
- makes the decision based on the athletes' suggestions
- defines what to do and how to do it
The coach identifies a circuit training session. Athletes identify possible exercises for the circuit. The coach selects from the suggestions a set of exercises.
Democratic Style - Allowing
- The coach outlines the training requirements to the athletes
- The coach defines the training conditions
- The athletes brainstorm to explore possible solutions
- The athletes make the decision
- The athletes define what to do and how to do it
The coach identifies a circuit training session. The coach defines the conditions of the circuit to ensure it is safe and meets the overall objectives of the session. Athletes identify possible exercises for the circuit and then select a set of exercises that meet the coach's conditions.
B. Woods Coaching Styles
B. Woods (1998)[1] identified 4 styles of coaching:
- Command style - direct instruction, coach dictates
- Reciprocal style - athlete takes some responsibility for their development - monitored by the coach
- Problem-solving style - athlete solves problems set by the coach
- Guided discovery - the athlete, has the freedom to explore various options
British Athletics Coaching Styles
British Athletics identify the following coaching styles:
- Telling - primarily, the coach use instruction and explaining
- Showing - primarily, the coach use demonstration
- Involving - primarily, the coach allows self-discovery and questioning to raise the athlete's awareness
References
- WOODS, B. (1998) Applying psychology to Sport. London: Hodder & Stoughton
Page Reference
If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is:
- CALLEJ, L. (2001) Coaching Styles [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/styles.htm [Accessed