Stages of Skill Development – Initiation / Introduction Drills
Posted by Ganon Baker at 12:00 pm
I have traveled to 15 countries and been all around the US. I have done over 20 Nike Skill Academies with some of the best skill development minds in the game. About 4 years ago I came across the technical director for Canadian Basketball, his name is Mike Macay. I put Mike’s brilliance and philosophy of the game with the best of them. Mike goes around the world (when he is not improving Canadian players and coaches) teaching coaches how to be better teachers. I spent some time recently with Mike and I thought you would enjoy what he had to say! This is OUTSTANDING stuff!! Sink your teeth in to it!!
Initiation / Introduction drills
What is it?
The first contact the athlete has with the skill/concept. The athlete may have no idea of what to do in order to perform the skill/concept.
What does the athlete need?
To have a clear mental image of what a correct execution looks like (Whole-part-whole). Understand the fundamental positions, stances, and patterns of the skill or concept. Feel safe when performing the skill/concept. If necessary, reach a comfort level with some movements or feelings that may be unfamiliar, and that are part of the skill/concept to be learned. They need to know why the skill/concept is performed, what is its purpose?
What does this mean for the coach?
1. Have a good demonstration
A picture is worth a thousand words. This is more important than telling the athletes what to do. This demonstration needs to show why the skill is needed. Very often showing the whole lets the athletes understand the small part they are going to work on.
2. Keep it simple
Only have one or two key points. Enough to get them started. These points should be concerned with the big picture first, not the small details. Remember they need to know why they are doing the skill first.
3. Let them wobble
Players need time to try the skill at their own pace. Think of a young child learning to walk. The child has a clear mental picture because he/she sees adults walking all the time. They feel safe because they get to go slow and at their pace. Mom or Dad is there to catch them if they fall. I suggest you go to Youtube and watch baby Elijah walking. I think his mother is a great coach!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLC1Js5y-po
4. Reinforce with positive feedback
Feedback at this stage is very positive and encouraging. You are more concerned with the athlete getting the big picture movements and the willingness to try. Save the details for later. This is the first steps in building confidence. It will allow the athlete to be willing to accept the challenge of more detail and intensity.
What does this look like?
Example: Initiation stage for a L2T player being introduced to a crossover dribble
The coach explains that a crossover dribble is used when we want to change the ball from the right to left hand. This is because the defence is guarding me on my right side of my body I have to change the ball to the left. The coach shows the players a low dribble that is moved from one hand to the other with a ‘V’ dribble action. He/she gives the player chance to practice on his/her own.
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