It will come as no surprise, due to the global pandemic, I have delivered far more 1:1 coaching in the last 10 months than I have, traditional, group / team sessions.
I won’t lie, it’s a challenge and does not come naturally!
After all netball is a team sport and before Covid-19 took hold I very rarely heard of coaches delivering 1:1 sessions and can count on one hand, the number of times I had delivered to a single person, myself.
A good coach is always adaptable though and it’s not like I don’t have time to think practices through, find some creative solutions and make sure sessions I deliver are beneficial to each participant.
As I’ve discussed before in my blogs, meeting expectations is crucial and whilst to most it’s fairly obvious, with just one player and coach match play isn’t going to happen. I’ve learnt it is worth having the discussion before we start though!
Understandably, Covid-19 guidelines will also impact on what you can and can’t do! Not ball sharing during lockdown 1 was as silly as it was impractical but dear me, we did have a laugh! I’ve learnt having a giggle during lockdown 1:1s is just as important, if not more so in some cases, as the actual exercise!
As much as 1:1 coaching at the beginning was a scary thought, going outside your comfort zone as a Coach is necessary for growth and learning. I have relished this opportunity.
My creativity in coaching has improved tenfold. It was probably one of the weaker elements of my delivery and a challenge that has needed to be overcome for 1:1 sessions to be successful. This has and will have a positive impact on my confidence in this area!
My technical knowledge has always been pretty sound as a Coach but 1:1s give your more opportunity to discuss technique and tactics, in particular. Communication around these areas, explaining and checking knowledge is always good to practice as a Coach. I have found with 1:1s you have the opportunity of being more specific and tailoring that explanation to the individual.
What’s more a 1:1 participant seems as grateful for those nuggets of knowledge that they can take into match play (when it is safe to do so!) as they are for the run around and ‘escape’ from reality.
Let’s be honest the majority of us grassroots netballers do not want to be involved in 1:1s right now - whether as a Coach or participant. What we all want to be doing is running round a court with our mates, high fiving & shaking hands without a thought. But, whilst 1:1s are all that are allowed we might as well make the most of it and I am certain I am going to be a better Coach for it!
*As a responsible, qualified netball coach I take my Covid-19 responsibilities very seriously. All Covid-19 guidelines are adhered to and nothing is more important than participant and Coach safety.
