Mentoring: Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the greatest coach of all?

An article by Stephen Pritchard    No Comments

I am quite excited to be working with some newly qualified coaches in a mentoring capacity.  With SASP, Somerset Badminton and the South Somerset CBN we are looking at ways to informally formalise the way in which this happens in order to add real value to the process and to really help the coaches develop.

Self-reflection is something we feel is of vital importance, and if you’ve read any of my blogs or tweets (@gingercoaching) you’ll be aware that this is something I am endeavouring to do more frequently and thoroughly than merely passing a few thoughts in the car on the way home.  If you’ve not seen it, have a look here http://www.gingercoaching.com/?p=171

As a skill that, along with all others, needs to be developed and learned, in order for newer coaches to effectively self-reflect there may be a need for some directed prompting and guidance.  We have discussed:

• Feedback from an observing mentor.
• Feedback from those being coached – in our modern “player centred” world this is probably the most valuable source of information.
• Both of the above working to enhance coach self-awareness.
• An accessible in-session process not needing excess time and energy.
• A simple toolkit for coaches to carry around to enable them to gain feedback upon which to reflect from any session they coach.

At this stage all of the above is fluffy and being plucked from the ether by a few coaching nerds like myself.  Watch for further news as we develop the ideas.

Thanks @SASPsomerset and @Jameselkin1