WHAT ‘Coaching in the most effective way, whereby the topic or subject area is clearly defined, explained and demonstrated effectively thus providing the individual all the necessary information to execute as quickly as possible within their capabilities’

WHY There are 3 main ways how people learn:

  • Audio (listening)
  • Visual (looking)
  • Kinaesthetic (doing)

Everyone is different – for some individuals listening is enough, for others it will take hours of practice or “doing”.  In order to ensure any skill or topic is delivered in the most effective way, it is vital that all learning methods are covered during the delivery stage, in relation to the capabilities of the individual.

HOW The IDEA Coaching principle is an extremely effective method of coaching boxing, which covers the 3 ways we learn as listed above:

  • (I) Introduction
  • (D) Demonstration
  • (E) Explanation
  • (A) Action

Introduction It is whilst introducing the skill the coach sets the “tone” for the delivery of the session.  Individuals new to the sport, in particular young children, need to know WHAT skill they are learning and WHY they are learning it. You should therefore use the following three steps every time you introduce a new skill or topic:

  • Get their attention
  • Name the skill
  • SELL the skill – Explain its importance and / or why they need to learn or indeed improve 

Getting the persons / groups attention is vital, failure to do so will devalue the skill or topic being coached and ultimately reduce the desired effect.

Ensure your speech is CLEAR & CONCISE, and your POSTURE and BODY LANGUAGE is positive.  As you are speaking, ensure you make eye contact with the individual / group.

Correct positioning of the coach and the participants is vital to ensure the learning process is maximised.

When dealing with a group, a semi-circle formation facing you is recommended to ensure you can always see each individual and vice versa.

It is also during this initial stage that the coach ensures the following:

  • Everyone is appropriately dressed and equipped for the session
  • There are no injuries / illnesses – each individual is capable of conducting the skill / task about to be taught, whether that be with / without modification

COACHING TIP 

It is paramount that the coach also conforms to recognised standards of clothing and personal equipment.  For demonstration purposes, appropriate physical training clothing must be worn which should always be clean and presentable.  The coach must be in possession of a stopwatch and whistle at all times, and have whiteboard or visual information if applicable.  Before starting the actual session delivery, the coach must ensure the activity area and any equipment / resources required is checked and ready to be used.  An accessible first aid resource is a MUST.

Demonstration

The demonstration step is arguably the most important part of teaching a sports skill.  If not visually impaired, provide a visual picture, not just words, so they can see how the skill is performed. If you are unable to perform the skill correctly, ask an assistant coach, a skilled boxer or indeed someone more skilled to perform the demonstration.

Whilst demonstrating, the coach MUST:

  • Use correct form
  • Demonstrate the skill in all viewing “arcs” i.e. facing forward (individual / group in front), side on (both sides) and facing backwards (individual / group looking from behind)
  • Initially, demonstrate the skill in “real time” covering each viewing arc
  • Demonstrate SILENTLY at this point, the talking will come next during the Explanation stage

Explanation

People learn more effectively when they’re given a brief explanation of the skill along with the demonstration. Use simple terms, free from jargon and wherever possible, relate the skill to previously learned skills. 

At this stage, the coach should now:

  • Carry out the skill in slow time, explaining each stage / sequence of the skill, consistently emphasising sound technique
  • Whilst explaining, ensure all viewing arcs are covered again, highlighting the key stages illustrated at a particular angle

The WHOLE – PART – WHOLE teaching method is recommended during the explanation stage, whereby the whole skill is first demonstrated, before being broken down into the constituent parts to highlight the main coaching points, before putting the whole skill back together. This can be very effective in skills which have easily distinguished parts, where the whole skill together is complex i.e. punches, defences etc.

Once the above steps have been conducted, the coach must CONFIRM all the boxers understand all the explanations and demonstrations carried out.

COACHING TIP

The Coach can confirm by asking questions on the main points covered.   If there is any element of doubt within the group as a whole, conduct the explanation stage again.

Action

The coach should now instruct the individual / group to carry out the skill as follows:

  • Static initially
  • “On the move” as soon as possible, however the skill must be carried out correctly static first

MODIFICATION – it is paramount that modifications are both explained and provided for any individual.  The above process should be used, so everyone feels included, and not just told “you just do a, b or c etc”

Correct individual faults as they occur.  If there are any general faults occurring within the group, stop the group and highlight the fault demonstrating the correct technique / element.  Where possible, coaching “on the move” is also recommended instead of halting the individuals activity. 

COACHING TIP

The main objective of the IDEA principle is to get everyone carrying out the “Action” stage as quick as possible.  To ensure the coach maintains the group’s attention span (which is less in young children) and as a guideline, the following time allocation is recommended:

  • Introduction (up to 30 secs)
  • Demonstration (up to 30 secs)
  • Explanation (60 – 90 secs)
  • Action (as required / as long as the session plan dictates)

MODIFICATION – this timeline can / should be adapted depending on the needs of the individual.

Knowledge & understanding of your participants is crucial – some may have short attention spans as stated, and a long demonstration or explanation of a skill may cause them to lose focus. Therefore, aim to keep within the guidelines listed above during the introduction, demonstration and explanation phases. Then involve everyone during the action stage as soon as possible.