Reinforcing your key coaching points helps players to understand and remember your message.

2. SET OUT GOALS

Make sure you are clear what your coaching goals are for the session. If necessary write them down. Many top level coaches carry notes in their pockets to refer to during sessions.

3. A FEW COACHING POINTS

Limit yourself to three or four main coaching points in a session, and less if you are introducing a new skill or technique. Any more than this and your players won’t take the information in.

4. START WITH THE KEY POINTS

Introduce the coaching points at the start so players know what they are going to be doing. The most effective way to do this is through a practical demonstration either by yourself or using some of the players.

5. REPEAT THE KEY POINTS

Keep repeating the points during the activity. Be positive, highlight good examples to the whole group and give individual assistance to any players who are struggling.

6. A PROPER CONCLUSION

Sum up at the end. Go over the key points again, answer any questions and check the players have understood them.

7. USE FEEDBACK

Use questions throughout to check that players have understood you clearly. It often helps players to have the coaching points put into different terms by their peers and using slightly different language.

8. BUILD INTO THE NEXT SESSION

Revise previous points at the start of the next session. Check the players have remembered what you coached and start with an exercise where they are putting them into practice.