How long should your learning blocks be?

Recall

The purpose of the recall is to challenge what information the players can remember and apply to the game.
By giving them the opportunity to recall prior learning, you are creating a better learning environment for the players within your group. 

Not all of them will recall all of the information and learning they may have initially shown. However, you should give them time and space to do so, as it will help them in the longer term. Always bear this in mind.

I would also advise building a ‘recall list’. Make a note of the critical moments, skills or areas of the game you have targeted, then revisit this learning. 

Remember, the more opportunities you give your players to recall prior learning, the more likely it will form in their long-term memory.

Practical practice design 

I am one of those coaches who always wants to create that new game, that new practice that everyone else likes and wants to copy.

But is it serving my playing group? Is that new game helping them learn and develop? 

The more extrinsic information we give our players – for example, new rules to a game, or new constraints to consider during a particular practice – the more we detract from a player’s working memory and, therefore, the intrinsic information you want them to focus on, like getting their feet close to the ball carrier in the tackle.

If we overload our players with new and ever-evolving information about our practices, we are distracting them from the real focus of each individual: getting better and mastering a new skill.

Remember, as the saying goes, a ‘bored learner is a poor learner’ – so, of course, your practices need to vary and evolve. 

We don’t need new games with new rules, constraints or challenges in every session. Design a game or a practice, let the players learn it and stick with it during your 4-6 week block.

Your role as a coach is to recognise opportunities to evolve your game/practice to keep the players stimulated.