How to Coach Using Different Learning Styles

By: Bruce Smith Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Have you ever been exasperated by the player's inability to grasp what you are trying to teach and you are at the point where you feel they are purposely not listening to you. Most of the time, the reality is: they do not comprehend the difference between what you are asking and what they are doing.

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. An individual leaves clues in their word choice and actions that enable insights into their dominant learning method.

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

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

3) Kinesthetic(tactile): Kinesthetic processors learn by doing and retain information best by acting out the activity themselves through showing it to others. 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 acting it out for them.

4) Sequential: The sequential learning style is not as often recognized as the auditory, visual, or kinesthetic learning styles, but many very talented athletes are sequential learners. The sequential learning style is based on the "why" question. These athletes learn through linearly stepping through the process from start to finish and understanding the motivation behind the different steps.

A key objective in youth sports is to amplify 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) Recap the activity with why it is important and the process steps.

By following these steps all the learning styles are incorporated multiple times throughout the process and each young athlete is taught in their optimal fashion. 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 your teams 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.

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

About The Author: Youth-Athlete provides resources for parents, coaches, and young athletes including teaching suggestions and tips for coaches that enable a successful season and a community for open questions.