Active learning time

I am a big proponent of ACTIVE LEARNING TIME. More learning will occur if a learner can spend more time successfully engaged in what is being learned. In simple terms, the more time your athletes spend DOING things in the RIGHT way, the better players they will become.

Several factors affect Active Learning Time - primarily teacher instruction, providing an appropriate challenge, and preparation. Why is it important to become a more effective practice time manager? Regardless of how much practice time is available to any team or coach, that practice time is extremely valuable and must not be wasted or used inefficiently. Studies undertaken indicate that EFFECTIVE Practice Management Time is when 8-12% of practice time is devoted to managing. Whereas INEFFECTIVE Practice Management Time is characterized by managing for 25-45% of any given practice session.

Coaches need to acquire skills and learn appropriate strategies in order to maximize Effective Management Time in their practices. The following are suggestions to help with development:

• Start every practice promptly
• Teach signals/routines plus their meanings
• Use prompts, hustles and enthusiasm
• Reinforce student responses with specific feedback
• Avoid slow-downs and breaks (reduces efficiency and takes away momentum)
• Reduce the number of athletes waiting in line by using more subgroups in drills
• Secure sufficient supplies and equipment so athletes do not wait
• Plan practices to minimize reformulation of groups and equipment set-up time (planned space)
• Communicate as much info as possible BEFORE practice
• Warm-up/cool down outside the scheduled practice time
• Use your assistants (very important concept of delegation - greatly benefits your athletes)