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Coaching Using Different Player's Learning Style

Have you ever been exasperated by the player's inability to grasp what you are trying to accomplish and you are at the point where you feel they are purposely defying you. Nine times out of ten, the reality is: they do not understand what is different between what you are asking and their actions.

Players have different learning styles. That is, most people favor a particular method of learning. A learning style is the method of learning that is unique to an individual that allows that individual to learn best.

There are four major learning styles: auditory, visual, tactile (kinesthetic), and sequential. Each learning style is unique and requires a different teaching method. Individuals leave clues in their word choice and actions that enable insights into their preferred learning style.

1) Auditory: Auditory processors learn by hearing. They interpret the underlying meanings of speech by listening to the tone of voice, pitch, speed, and other spoken nuances. When teaching verbal learners, use short explanatory sentences and have them repeat back the particulars of the drill.

2) Visual: The majority of individuals are visual processors who learn through seeing the teacher's body language and movements, and facial expressions to learn the content of the lesson. Visual learner's see the coach's body language and facial expression and, typically, prefer standing near the front of the group to avoid visual obstructions.

3) Kinesthetic(tactile): Kinesthetic processors learn by doing. They retain information best by acting out the activity themselves through mimicking the action. Although kinesthetic learners are a minority in society, many youth coaches teach to this style. Coaches tell the players to do a specific drill by name, watch them, and then quickly provide a verbal adjustment without first describing the purpose and showing them.

4) Sequential: The sequential learning style is not as often recognized as the other learning styles, but many very talented athletes are sequential learners. The sequential learning style is based on the "why" question. These athletes learn by stepping through the process from start to finish and need to know the motivation behind each different step.

A key objective in youth sports is to maximize the athlete's learning during the weekly practice. Incorporating every learning style can increase the effectiveness of your practices. When introducing a new skill or team play:

1) Tell the players the motivation for the drill.

2) Have a coach physically act out the drill and ask the players to break it down step by step.

3) Let the players act out the drill and provide constructive coaching fine-tuning.

4) After you finish, have the players recap the activity with why it is important and what are the steps in the process.

By incorporating multiple learning styles during practice, each player learns using their preferred style. Auditory learners are taught in their style during step 1, 3, and 4. Optimal learning for the visual and kinesthetic styles occurs during step 2 thru 4. Finally, sequential learners get the most from steps 1, 2, and 4.

How many learning styles are you using during practice? Based on their previous performance in practice and games, what is the one area that needs to be worked on in the next practice. Break down the drills and play execution into the four steps above to maximize the players learning potential.

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Youth-Athlete provides resources for parents, coaches, and young athletes including effective learning style coaching that enable a successful season and a community for open questions.

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