Use probing questions to bolster players' skill

Every time I step onto the field, I have a clear goal of ensuring each session has a purpose.

My actions throughout every training session allow players to develop skills and feel confident enough to ask questions and, indeed, answer any of the coaching staff’s questions.

By probing the players with questions, I can find out where they are now and what we can do as a group to move forward.

Example: passing drill

The drill would take place for around four minutes. Then, we bring the players back in, and use this time to reinforce what is going well and, more importantly, feedforward on what we can do to improve. 

Example questions

• "How are we getting on this drill?”
• "What key areas are we doing well in?”
• "Why are we doing well in these areas?"
• “If this particular area isn’t going well, what are one or two key points we can take into this last part of the drill, so we improve on it?”

Key outcomes: Reinforce the positives. Recall the last drill for what went well. Question where things aren’t going so well.

Avoid closed dialogue

This is when the coach is leading and telling the player what to do. This tends to start with "This is how we need to play", with players not able to reply or add in their take.

By using this approach, you limit players’ ability to experiment with the ball and play relative to what the opposition does. It brings no improvement in skill level. 

Instead, use keywords such as “we" and "you", which always bring the attention back to the players.

Question tips

When asking an open and clear question, it is essential to wait for the player’s reply.

Depending on the response, you could follow up with a question relative to what you have seen. 

Aim to develop players’ key skills, but don’t overwhelm them with too much detail that they therefore don’t know what to focus on.

Example questions

• "Great spatial awareness to see the space in wide channels and our player having no-one in front of them. Once you have made a pass, what should you do next?”
• "What was your thought process when you went short-side off the breakdown and created a 2v1? What went well?”
• "Before getting your feet set for a tackle, what should you do to ensure you are safe to approach the tackle?”

Asking from observation

You can observe and comment when the players are in their sessions, with a question at the end.

This ensures player clarity and focus on their performance goals.

Example questions

• "What did you do differently in that last tackle that didn’t make it as effective? Looking ahead to the next one, what do we have to ensure we do well to make it more effective?”
• "Great break of defence line, there. What could you do differently to ensure the ball remains a threat in play?”
• "Great pass of the ball there to a player in space. What should your next move be to ensure you can be an option?"
• "Great footwork there to beat two defenders. Tell me, as a result, how did this help your team-mates outside you, who gathered the ball after you passed it to them and created a 2v1?”