COACHING : Science of Development

1. Science of Development Learning Stages

1. Cognitive

• This is the thinking phase of early learning involving simple skills.

• The learning focus is on understanding the skill.

• Numerous and gross errors occur in this phase.

• Trial and error learning is important.

• Using a variety of educational techniques (auditory, visual and muscle memory) improves learning.

2. Associative

• This is the relating stage, with emphasis on error reduction

• Motor program development and muscle education occurs

• New patterns of movement emerge

• Self correction is more evident

• Kinetics (muscle) awareness, with the concept of `feel’ emerge

• Integration of body movements take place

3. Autonomic

• This is the Automatic stage, with an emphasis on efficient, consistent, repetitive skill execution while the performers attention is on external information

• Errors occur less frequently

• Slower learning occurs

• Skill execution requires, progressively less processing

• Refinements occur as the skill is performed

• The learner is able to adapt to varying conditions quickly and effectively

Improved skill execution allows the athlete to apply the skills with more consistency and also adapt their play to suit match situations.

It is important to realize that Bowling is a closed skill, where as batting and fielding are open skills.

Bowling skills; The aim is to perfect a mechanical action and along with the plans to compliment that bowler.

Batting and fielding skills; The aim is to create muscle memory so that skills maybe be applied quickly with good judgement. `Thinking with practice transforms to instinct’.

So in measuring performance first look at the planning. Did the player adhere to the game plan? Did the player maintain concentration? Did the player correctly judge the ball? Did the player execute the skill to a satisfactory level?

To identify what needs to be improved within a team it is important to identify the problem not the symptom. Success is a science, so a coach should review the following formula after every match to identify areas of improvement.

Planning + process + execution = outcomes or

Game plan + concentration + skill execution = success.

One or all of these things maybe to blame for a poor outcome.