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Coaching with Questions: Empowering Young Football/Soccer Players to Think Critically

Empower young players through coaching with questions, fostering critical thinking and self-discovery in football training.

PLAYER DEVELOPMENTCOACHING INSIGHTS

Ben Foulis

5/26/20242 min read

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In youth football/soccer coaching, the traditional approach of instructing with direct coaching is giving way to a more powerful technique—coaching with questions. This method is rooted in the principle that children learn more effectively when they discover solutions on their own, rather than simply being told what to do. This concept, often referred to as “discovery learning,” emphasizes the importance of personal experience and critical thinking in learning new skills.

Discovery learning is supported by educational research which suggests that when learners are more actively engaged in solving problems or exploring outcomes on their own, they tend to retain knowledge better and develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter. This approach can be particularly impactful in sports, where the physical execution of a skill is closely tied to cognitive understanding and decision-making.

Consider a common scenario in football training: a player receives a pass and takes their first touch with their back to the goal, having limited vision of most of the field. Traditionally, a coach might stop play, point out the mistake, and demonstrate the correct body positioning. However, let’s explore an alternative method that could have a deeper impact.

Instead of directly telling the player what was wrong, pose a series of probing questions: “When you received the ball facing our goal, could you see where your teammates were in open space? Could you immediately play a forward ball from that position? How could you adjust your body next time to have a better view of the field?” These questions encourage the player to think about their actions and the consequences, fostering a deeper understanding of spatial awareness and strategic positioning.

Further breaking down these questions into simpler, more direct inquiries can help even younger players engage with the concepts: “How many players can you see from this position? If we could see more players, could we make a better decision what to do next? How can we change our body shape to improve our view?” This method not only encourages critical thinking but also engages players in a dialogue that promotes active learning.

By adopting a questioning approach, coaches can transform their role from directors to facilitators, guiding players to their own conclusions. This doesn’t require the coach to have all the answers but rather to master the art of asking the right questions. It’s about creating a learning environment where players feel empowered to explore and express their understanding of the game. A bonus of this method, is if a player challenges you, you can continue to ask them questions prove their point.

Next time you find a moment for a coaching intervention, try switching to question mode. Let the players tackle the football problems themselves, guiding them with your questions but allowing them the space to find their own solutions. This shift not only enhances their learning experience but also builds their confidence and decision-making skills, key qualities for both football and life.

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