03.12.08 - New article added to journal archive ' Coaching to the learning styles'

This article was originally published in TheGymPress August 2008 Issue.
Article by Beth Gardner

Abstract
It is widely accepted that individuals learn at different rates and through different learning styles. Each individual has a preference towards a preferred style/s that allows them to extract the most amount of information from their surroundings. Through a greater understanding of the different styles of learning, coaches are able to more effectively present their classes, and thus improve the athlete’s rate of learning. Creating lesson plans for groups or individuals, the use of coaching cues, which address the various learning styles, make classes most effective. This article will discuss the various learning styles and how to effectively use them to create more effective gymnastics classes, recreational and or competitive.

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15.11.08 - New article added 'Using the “Understand → Teach” model to coach a double layout dismount of the asymmetrical bars'

This article was originally published in TheGymPress March 2008 Issue.
Article by Rick McCharles and edited by Valentin Uzunov.

Abstract
The ‘understand → teach’ model was presented in Vol.1 (2007) of the Gym Coach. The model illustrates and guides the coach in developing a map or strategy towards coaching any given skill. The model was used by several expert coaches from Canada to teach the double layout of the asymmetric bars. These coaches concluded that the ‘understand → teach’ model was to complex and lead to ‘analysis to paralysis’ as well as not accurately reflecting their actual coaching style. The following article uses the model in the presentation of coaching the double layout dismount.

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09.11.08 - New article added "Understand - Teach" model, part 1

This article was originally published in TheGymPress December 2007 Issue.
Article by Rick McCharles. Edited and formated by Valentin Uzunov.

Abstract
Coaching any sport to a high level is a complex task that requires many years of practice and study to master. Expert coaches like expert chess players develop strategies through hours of practical experience that allows them to foresee the necessary steps or moves they need to make to avoid problems and achieve the desired outcome. Each coach develops his own methods and strategies of coaching that work for them. The ‘understand teach’ model is but one method that can be used by coaches to analyze and construct a coaching methodology to coach any particular skill. The model assumes that the coach has a holistic understanding of the coaching job, and is able to apply that approach to the way he coaches skills. The model was tested by a group of Canadian coaches who found it too complex which lead them to over analysis. However the model has applications in course presenting, skill analysis, research, and also can be used as an coaching strategy. The better the coach understands the material he has to teach the more effective he is a teaching/coaching his athletes. Effective coaching is about always searching for better ways to do things, and this model presents one way.

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