Common Themes

COMMON THEMES

Though each of the Program Components is focused in developing different aspect of the whole athlete, there are commonalities in development/instruction best practice that must be considered. It is the combination of these best practices within each program components that allows a collective of individuals to truly become a team.

Best Practices Applied Throughout the Program Components

Teaching within and to the CONTEXT:

We can teach many skills, but without ensuring the understanding the "Right Time" to apply them we have done a disservice. This makes teaching within and to the context of the "Right Time" Imperative. There are two ways to achieve this, Firstly, we can utilize naturally occurring teachable moments. This can be very valuable, but it may be difficult to recognize or even find this type of teachable moment. As such, creating is necessary, and skilled coaches have utilized the games approach to successfully achieve just that at all levels of play.

Individualization/Differentiation:

We recognize each person has different motives, capabilities, and roles within the team. The first steps in planning to meet the needs of the individual and the team is always the assessment of ability, discussion and negotiation of individual roles. Once these are determined and agreed upon, individualized training goals that serve both the individual and the team can be planned, carried out, reassessed, and adjusted.

Periodization:

With the exception of the co-curricular approach all sections follow a yearly periodization schedule. In organizing by Pre-Season, In-Season, and Post-Season we recognize that the focus within these three periods is different for a variety of reasons., and we are better able to address the needs of both the Individual, and the team.

Building Positive Relationships:

There are undeniable truths that can allow us to lead lives of significance and value. No matter the lens that one puts on (religious, psychological, biological) it is true that satisfaction and happiness in life comes from developing and maintaining positive relationships. When we look outside of ourselves with the intent to serve others, we in fact serve our own happiness by creating and maintaining the positive relationships that bring meaning to our lives. The approaches provided in all program components are developed for just this purpose.