EP11: Crafting a Coaching Philosophy: How Theory Shapes Coaching Strategies
Oct 31, 2023
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The podcast dives into the importance of theory in coaching and the basketball industry, highlighting how theory simplifies and enhances the coaching process. They emphasize the significance of understanding the theory of skill acquisition, which changes coaches' perspectives and impacts all aspects of coaching. The speakers also discuss the limitations of sports science and the importance of having a theoretical framework in coaching. They stress the value of reflection and application for coaches, encouraging them to share their experiences and how it has changed their coaching.
Having a theoretical framework is crucial for coaches as it serves as a foundation and underpins everything they do.
Investing time in understanding the theory of skill acquisition changes coaches' perspectives on coaching and impacts all aspects of their work.
Deep dives
The Importance of Theory in Coaching
Having a theoretical framework is crucial for coaches as it serves as a foundation and underpins everything they do. Theory provides grounding and informs coaching practices. It differentiates between theories that are supported by evidence-based ideas and those that are not. Embracing theory allows coaches to have more freedom and adaptability, as they are guided by contemporary skill acquisition ideas. Coaches who reject theory may be considered radical, as their approach lacks evidence-based support. Theory also helps in avoiding oversimplification of basketball coaching and allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the game.
The Freedom Theory Provides
Adopting theory provides coaches with the freedom to explore different ideas and perspectives. Instead of relying on traditional drills or following popular coaches, coaches can create activities that are inspired by the game itself. An ecological dynamics approach emphasizes observing and adapting to the athlete's interaction with their environment, rather than focusing on specific drills. By embracing theory, coaches can shift their focus from consuming information to reflecting on it, which leads to greater autonomy and adaptability in their coaching practices.
Grounding Your Approach in Theory
Grounding coaching approaches in a theoretical framework changes perspectives on various coaching tasks, such as watching videos, scouting, and reading material. Viewing players' interactions within certain sets or activities becomes more important than simply searching for a magical solution. Coaches become more interested in what doesn't work, as it reveals the needs of the players. Reflecting on coaching experiences and considering how they can be applied in different contexts brings peace and freedom to coaching. Investing time in the theory of skill acquisition leads to a deeper understanding and autonomy in coaching practices.
In this episode, Alex Sarama and Adam discuss the importance of theory in the coaching profession and the basketball industry. They emphasize that everyone has a theory, so it is crucial we gain awareness of it and then ask if we have evidence to support it. They also address the misconception that embracing theory makes coaching too scientific, explaining that theory actually simplifies and enhances the coaching process. Alex and Adam stress the significance of investing time in understanding the theory of skill acquisition, as it changes coaches' perspectives and impacts all aspects of coaching.
1:28 - “Theory is foundational and underpins everything a coach does.”
6:00 - “Take in the context and it's going to shape who you are and how you're behaving.”
9:05 - “Investing time in understanding the theory of skill acquisition changes coaches' perspectives on coaching and impacts all aspects of their work.”