Player-Centered Coaching

Definition

Player-centered Coaching means exactly what it says – we are putting our Players into the proper focus – they are the center of the learning process and we Coaches are the people who will enable this process to proceed and succeed.

In a real sense, we coaches are co-learners with our players. We will be looking at things from their perspective as well as our own perspective and we will be allowing them to participate with us in all of our planning and performing.

Responsibility of Coaches 

Player-centered coaching gives the coach the responsibility for creating an environment that fosters learning the skills and tactics of the sport by the players. It focuses on the player's interests and abilities, but since coaches have more knowledge of the game, they will have more control over the learning and performance activities. Coaches are responsible for creating a learning environment that is relevant and interesting and results in the improvement of team integrity and individual player’s improvement. The goal is to empower self-regulated learners.

Responsibility of Players

In a true co-learning environment, the coach and player both have responsibilities.  The Player has the responsibility to bring an attitude of Get to vs. Have to.  Players get to play. Players get to learn and develop.  Players get to be part of the team.  Players don’t have to do any of these things.  Players have a responsibility for their own learning.  They need to own it.  Players have responsiblity to set goals for their learning and development.  Players get to develop their own plan and path.  A coach can guide and support here while a player creates.  And finally in a Player Centered environment, players need to invest.  They need to invest in themself, their learning, and the team.  They are responsible to be curious and to ask questions.  They are responsible for bringing effort and energy.  Learning takes time.  Investment  is what  brings rewards.The goal is to become a self-regulated learner. 

Joining them on their Journey

We coaches love to be involved in sports activities. We may or may not have been a player of the game but we are now in a relationship with younger persons that allows us to join them in experiencing a sports activity. It has great potential for a joint sharing and caring journey.

Mutual Respect

There is no need to define this relationship any further. Every person involved in the experience is an equal participant irrespective of their age or background.

Essential Needs to be Successful

1. Motivation (Intrinsic Motivation) 

2. Coach and Player Interaction

3. Individual Differences 

Motivation (Intrinsic Motivation)

We all have a natural, innate curiosity drive to learn - children of all ages are attracted to sports. There is no need for us to use the “carrot” or “stick” extrinsic types of motivating our young people to get involved. They are all ready to play. The Coach then helps and guides the players to explore and to learn in their own way, making learning fun and helping them become confident and autonomous learners.

Individual Differences

Player-centered Coaching will always put the player at the center of the learning process. It is important to consider the learning styles, possible disabilities, and interests of each of our players.

Social Unit – The Team

Our team is a social entity composed of coaches, players, and parents of players working together so that each of the players has the best possible life experience.