My Musing

I have always seen the connection between teaching and playing sports but I have been learning the finer points to teaching in the last few months and I wish to apply that new knowledge to help me and my volleyball team.

I have begun to focus more on how the athletes on my team respond to different types of instruction methods. I have done my best to use this to improve their skills. Some of my athletes really need to be pushed to improve. Other players, instead of bending, begin to break under that type of strain. A gentler approach is needed. Both players need to receive compliments, otherwise the game looses the enjoyment. This applies to teaching as well. Students need to be approached differently and they need to be congratulated when progress is made or else why would they keep coming back and working hard. I certainly would think twice.

The other aspect that I have been applying to the volleyball court is the method that I help the athlete learn. I firmly believe in asking questions to prompt an answer out instead of just telling them the answer. The Socratic method. This helps them analyze what they are doing and to make changes appropriately. This method also helps for the future. By analyzing their own actions, they will become less dependent and will be able to make changes when needed without being told.