7 things you can do at training to improve player behaviour

Try our seven behaviour management tips at your next training session and observe the impact on your players.

1. Get started quicklyGet the players on task quickly. By doing so, a coach can identify which players want to focus and which may need additional support as the session develops.

2. Don't give your attention to those who are poorly behaved Give it when it is deserved. Affording attention to players for doing the wrong thing sends the message that negative behaviour is a method of gaining the coach's time.

Instead, seek out players who are performing well, trying hard and investing in their own learning and make a strong example of this positive behaviour.

3. Let your players make some of the decisions Give ownership to players, it will give them more involvement and more control over their own development.

4. Don't stop the whole group to highlight a mistake Don’t draw attention to individual player mistakes. If guidance is required, it should be one-to-one while the other players are busy with the task.

5. Encourage group work and discussion Get the players to work together in small groups. Challenge them to work together in identifying ways of succeeding in tasks and practices. Give them ownership for solving the task.

6. Let the players know your session is a 'safe place' Make the players feel comfortable making mistakes and give them the freedom to try again and self-correct.

7. Spend more time on task No need for lengthy instruction or de-briefs. Get the players in, get them on task and get them playing.