With the current global pandemic sadly the last two weeks of the Ceylon Cricket Academy were cut short. However working with the coaches and players at the Ceylon Cricket Academy is something that I will look back on very fondly. As it was a great opportunity and one that I am very proud to say I was a part of. To see players progress in the short time I was there, not only as cricketers but as individuals is the reason why I wanted to become a coach in the first place. To reflect on the year from a personal perspective it did come with its challenges and open my eyes to the life of a coach. But the main things I learnt were the importance of planning sessions and trying to set goals and targets each week. Another key thing I took from this coaching experience was how important reflecting one was. As it gives you an opportunity to look at what you’ve done and see what worked or what didn’t and how you might change it in future sessions.
I also learnt the importance of using conditioned games/TGFU where possible. Journal articles like Tan, 2012, explaining how TGFU work and using Newell’s model of constraints have really helped me in transitioning to a more game based coaching style. which I believe with cricket is hugely important. But a batter can do hour and hours in the nets, but you won’t know how they react in a game, in a certain situation, with different challenges and that why I think with this age and stage of development conditioned games are so important to progress these athletes. The use of games also allows me as a coach to use lots more questioning as to get them thinking and developing an understanding of the why and what they are doing.
I believe being given the opportunity to give feedback to the DUT students, has developed me as a coach because it was a chance for me to give feedback and share what I know but then breaking it down and help others with it. This will also help me when planning my own sessions as I will self reflect and see look to see what feedback I would give myself? I believe as a whole this experience will make me more employable as I am working with various coaches, from different cultures and this will assist my coaching.
Level 6 SMART Action Plan
As I progress on to Level 6, I would like to continue my coaching work in a performance environment,hopefully the Ceylon Cricket Academy will run next year so I will be able to continue my coaching with them and hopefully this will progress for me. With the completion of my Level 2 Cricket coaching course I will be able to seek more opportunities for paid work. Luckily due to my previous experience including this placement I was able to get a job working with Pro Coach Yorkshire and will be able to start this when I’m back at university. It has also presented me with lots of opportunities to work with a variety of different ages and levels of athletes to expand my knowledge. This is very exciting for me as I am keen to coach inside a professional environment. I will also be seeking more coaching badges, and cricket masterclasses were I will be be able to learn more about coaching with different aspects of the game and this will add greatly my coaching portfolio and experience.
Finally, I am exited at the challenge of my dissertation next year and undergoing my own research on coaches in performance environments. I hope I am able to tie this in with my placement as it will give me a better understanding of the context. This experience both academically and professionally will set me up with new skills and ideas to take me further in my learning.
Reference list:
Tan, C. Chow, J. Davids, K. (2012) “How Does TGFU Work?”: Examining the Relationship Between Learning Design in TGFU and Nonlinear Pedagogy. Physical Education and Pedagogy, 17(4) September, pp. 331 – 348
Newell, K (1986) Constraints on the Development of Coordination. Motor Development in Children: Aspects of Coordination and Control, pp. 341 – 360
Bruce Glendinning - Sports Coaching Blog 