Decision-making Speed
How to maximize individual development and team performance
Hi there,
You don’t have to choose between development and winning - you can have both.
We want athletes to learn to make strong decisions without our telling them to. We want them to understand the game rather than just play it, even when no coach is there.
-Doug Lemov, The Coaches’ Guide to Teaching
Blindfold Test
A great reminder to coaches and parents.
Things happen too fast in sport to expect an athlete to hear instructions from the bench/sidelines and then take that information and apply it. You are more likely to create confusion for the player which results in slower and less effective play.
One of our goals in coaching should be to provide our athletes with the support in training to make strong decisions with confidence, freedom and speed while in competition.
Here are some ideas to consider:
Principles of Play
Principles of Play
Principles give players guidelines on how the team wants to play. John Leonzo of Wright State University basketball provides this video that connects a principle with clear language, "pass to where the help came from".
Commander’s Intent is a relevant term here. This military term refers to providing a clear intention for the mission and what success looks like. It allows for de-centralized decision-making so that subordinates have the freedom to make decisions and adapt to unexpected situations. It creates efficiency by eliminating unnecessary communication.
Clearly outline the why and the what of your mission and allow your people to get the job done.
Structure and guidelines create predictability and allow players to anticipate what their teammates will do. It also allows for coordinated decision-making among multiple players. A beautiful goal that looks like pure skill and creativity is often the result of teammates being predictable to each other.
Keep it Simple
Keep it Simple
From the Coaching Project podcast Extreme Ownership series, Dr. Gary Bowman and Brad Flynn, Assistant Coach of the Kitchener Rangers in the OHL discuss using language to keep things simple. At around the 8:30 mark you can find out how the term, "Rodeo" is used in hockey. A good discussion on the pros and cons of catch phrases follows.
Space Between the Notes
The Space Between the Notes
The art of coaching can be found in what you don't say. Inspiring performance requires a space for learning; an opportunity for self-discovery, problem solving, and exploration. That is the space between the notes.
According to Wade Gilbert, professor of Coaching and Sport Psychology at California, State University, Fresno, research has shown good coaches give 50% less comments to athletes. These coaches listen first and intervene second.
Brock Badgers High Performance Hockey Seminar
The 3rd Brock Badgers High Performance Coaching Seminar is on May 31st, 2025
Learn, share, and connect with coaches, scouts, managers and industry professionals from all ages, genders, and levels on the campus of Brock University in the beautiful Niagara region.
Speakers include coaches from Professional, CHL, USPORTS, NCAA and industry experts.
Click here for the 2023 and 2024 agenda including speakers and topics.
Purchase the video of all presentations from the 2023 and/or 2024 seminar for just $74 (CDN). Email me directly at tmanastersky@brocku.ca for details.
Cheers,
TJ Manastersky
Coaching Project
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