Questions all Coaches should be Asking Their Players this Lockdown

Now the excitement and possibility of getting back to ‘normal’ netball has well and truly been destroyed with the third national lockdown, many of us (myself included) are now back to training on zoom in an attempt to keep our players interested in the game and ‘netball fit’ in preparation for their return. But knowing that we have been there before, it’s very easy to feel unmotivated towards training online third time around – and if we are feeling like that as coaches, how do we think our players are feeling?

However, all is not lost. There is still lots we coaches can do to keep our players on track when training at home and to keep them interested and motivated towards their training. We just need to think outside the box and get inside the minds of our players. Before you arrange your next zoom call, take some time out to ask your players the following questions because if you are not meeting their needs, chances are they aren’t going to be working for you!

What do you play netball for?

Personally, I am missing two main things from netball. Firstly, comepition and secondly meeting up with my teammates. The fitness and the training I can handle solo, what I’m really missing is that winning feeling and working together towards a central goal. If your players are the same, there is lots that you can do to keep their competitive team spirit alive. Think about arranging a running challenge, splitting your players into teams and challenging them to run the furthest collective distance at a specific time and date; have a bake off; do something crafty. Just because a netball isn’t involved doesn’t mean that it’s not worthwhile. Teamwork makes the dreamwork after all, and continuing to build those relationships will benefit your training when we are back on that court.

What are you finding difficult?

In my experience, some players are turned off from the idea of online training because of their home situation. They might not feel they have the right space, they might have time commitments stopping them from training, they might not have any equiptment or access to outdoor space. It is important that you find out what is stopping your players from answering their zoom calls and use this information to help you to accommodate for all of your players during your sessions. If you have players lacking space, you could maybe just arrange a zoom stretch and pilates session. If they are lacking time, you could possibly record exercises for them to complete in their own time. Making training accessible to all is the first step in encouraging them to keep training and keep match fit.

How are you feeling?

Being a coach is so much more that putting on training sessions and sending videos of netball skills for your players to learn. You are a part of every players support network and therefore you have a responsibility to look after your players’ mental wellbeing too. Perhaps spend some time just checking in with your players by sending them a text. They might be more grateful for it than you realise.

If you’re lacking motivation for your training, don’t forget to look at our YouTube Channel and Instagram where you can find lots of free session ideas. Why not book a session with NET for your club on ZOOM – Follow this link to book.