Teaching and Coaching Technique
The following outline was created (by xcskiworld.com Editor J.D. Downing) as an educational resource for junior coaches. Over the years it has also proved equally valuable for groups leaders of adult and beginner skiers.
I. BE ORGANIZED
A. Have a written outline for any organized practice, share/post it when
appropriate/possible ahead of time.
B. Know where, when, how long, how hard/easy, etc..
C. Be prepared for adjustments (weather, etc.) but try not to make a habit
out of taking the easy way out.
D. Treat every second of practice/lesson time like gold.
II. KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE
A. Take into account abilities, goals, fitness/technical levels, equipment.
It is possible to under and over estimate with the same group.
B. Communicate with individuals and groups. Understand the different needs
of different ages and sub-groups. Ask questions; listen; pay attention;
encourage feedback.
III. TEACHING NEW SKILLS
A. Introduce using clear, simple language; demonstrate slowly.
B. Have group try skill; provide brief (encouraging) feedback; re-introduce;
re-demo; have them try again several times.
C. Always start and end with fundamentals. Limit focus to 1-3 key points.
D. Summarize and prepare for skiing on own.
IV. REINFORCING AND DEVELOPING SKILLS
A. Methods
1. Skiing without poles in easy terrain
2. Skiing very slowly (heart rate at level 1 or lower) with or without
poles emphasizing complete motions.
3. Repetition drills in easy terrain. Keep drill sessions to 10-30 minutes.
4. Modeling behind superior skiers--slowly, in easy terrain.
5. Mental focus on 1-3 points in any given session.
6. Concentrating on good technique while practicing.
7. Skiing in different situations--classic without tracks, skating on
crust, skiing in tough grooming or non-groomed situations.
8. Working on technique year-round.
9. Insist on appropriate performance clothing for ages 13 and up.
B. Feedback Techniques
1. Video--limited footage of subjects, compare to age-appropriate "elite" footage whenever possible.
2. Coaches Evaluation--careful what you do or do not say (perceptions differ); start and end on positive notes.
3. Educate everyone as to the value of different ways of tackling the same technical issue. Not all instructors/coaches will approach a skill the same way. However, rarely are folks ever "wrong".
