Every coach has ideas about where their strengths and weaknesses lie, every tutor aims to help the coach develop the areas that they wish to and open their perspective to new ideas that might expand their understanding.

This type of coach development takes time to complete and is a very intensive method of development which takes place on a one to one basis. The tutor encourages self reflection and guides the coach through any challenging areas to help them to extend both their delivery methods and understanding of coaching and player management. After each stage there is a gap where practise continues along with self-reflection.

Netball coaches and tutors are regarded as equal professionals in this process as both are invested in the development of the coach.

An example mentoring programme :

1) Introduction
Meeting to discuss ethos, beliefs, direction of coaching. Preferred methods as well as strengths and weaknesses. (Approx. 1 hour)

2) Observation & Reflection
The coach is observed in a match/training session and the tutor records notes about their delivery. Through a process of self-reflection and conversational debate the session is dissected and positive and negative areas are discussed. (Approx. 3 hours)

3) Development
The coach targets specific areas which are then incorporated into their delivery in training and/or match situations. During this process, the coach may have telephone or email contact with the tutor but this section is predominantly self-directed.

4) Reflection Meeting
The coach and tutor meet to discuss any points that have arisen from the original observation, discussion and then following sessions/matches. (This sometimes occurs before the start of the 2nd Observation and Reflection session,i.e. 4 & 5 joined). (Approx. 1-2 hours)

5) Observation & Projection
The coach is observed in a match/training session and a similar process to the first observation occurs as their is reflection on performance and development of thinking. An action plan for future professional development is set. (Approx. 3-4 hours)

This gives a general overview of the types of activities involved in a mentoring module. This is usually completed over a few weeks or months in order to allow the coach to try out new things or adapt their coaching and gain meaningful indications of whether it was effective.

For more information email: coacheducation@internetball.co.uk

NOTE: Internetball are happy to tailor the programme to the needs of the coach and as tutors are available at different times, so for example observing school sessions during the day is also possible, however, as most of the coaches and tutors are involved in performance netball there may be restricted opportunities for tutors to observe match play on weekends.