Insights on Coaching and Communication Techniques

Nov 16, 2024

Lecture Notes: The Language of Coaching with Nick Winkelman

Introduction

  • Importance of words that help clients understand and act on understanding.
  • Look and listen are essential in coaching.
  • Common experience of not connecting with clients despite using all techniques.
  • Guest: Nick Winkelman from Exos, head coach of the NFL Combine Prep program.
  • Focus of the episode: The language of coaching, title of Nick’s book.

Key Topics Discussed

  • The Language of Coaching: Moment before the movement is crucial.
  • Enhancing Athlete Performance: Avoid interfering, focus on informing.
  • Five-Step Coaching and Communication Loop: Method used to improve athlete performance.
  • Host Information: Mike Robertson, Physical Preparation Podcast.

ExerFly and Flywheel Training

  • About ExerFly: Equipment for flywheel training.
  • Benefits: High force training, eccentric overloading without heavy weights.
  • Usage: Various exercises like squats, hinges, presses.
  • Adoption: Used by NFL, NBA, English Premier League teams.
  • Affordability: Interest-free financing, money-back guarantee.

Nick Winkelman’s Background

  • Career Overview: Strength coach for 20 years, previously at Exos.
  • Roles at Exos: Education department, NFL Combine Development Program.
  • Current Role: Head of athletic performance and science for Irish rugby.
  • Focus: Developing and sharing knowledge of coaching and communication.

Insights on Coaching and Communication

  • Interest in the Topic: Personal drive for understanding and communicating.
  • Key Moments: Early realization of importance while training at college.
  • 2009 Revelation: Realized need for better interaction and engagement with athletes.
  • Education and Passion: Continued learning and focus on communication as a coaching art.

Coaching Communication Loop

  • Model for Communication: Organize communication around movement coaching.
  • Five Moments: Describe, demonstrate, cue, do, debrief.
    • Describe & Demonstrate: Basic explanation and visual understanding.
    • Cue: Moment before movement, focused on one idea to improve performance.
    • Do: Execution of the movement.
    • Debrief: Discussion to determine effectiveness and next steps.
  • Application: Long loop for new movements, short loop for experienced athletes.

Use of Analogies in Coaching

  • Analogies as Verbal Demonstrations: Help convey motion and emotion.
  • Benefits: Relatable, easy to visualize, aids in understanding complex movements.
  • Examples: Jet takeoff for sprinting, rubber band analogy for RDL.

Internal vs. External Cueing

  • External Cues: Generally more effective for performance, coordination.
  • Internal Cues: Increasing specific muscle activation, possibly useful in bodybuilding or early rehab.

Conclusion

  • Advice for Coaches: Focus on looking and listening to improve communication.
  • Upcoming Work: New book projects, including The Language of Coaching for Baseball.

Final Remarks

  • Importance of continuous learning and adapting as a coach.
  • Encouragement to share valuable insights with peers for broader impact.

Remember, these notes provide a high-level overview and key insights from Nick Winkleman's session on coaching and communication. For deeper understanding, refer to specific sections of the podcast as needed.

Full transcript