On Coaching

OK, that's an exaggeration. We don't all teach the same way.

In fact, we are all unique in some way or another.

And there aren't that many that I can actually find! Oh, there are a lot of streamers who share their thoughts when they play, "thinking out loud" - which is great! I think that is a great benefit to viewers. But there are very few who seem to actually try to teach while streaming.

And of those who do, most follow one of two basic scripts:

1. Play the student a game. Then analyze it, pointing out his numerous errors. If the teacher is good she'll also give advice on how to avoid the mistakes/errors and perhaps encourage better choices.
2. Provide a stand-alone lesson not based on anything in particular. Usually an obscure endgame (K + R vs. K + R + P).

There are variations on these themes - for example; review past games instead of playing the student. Or provide a few principles or concepts instead of just one.

These are all acceptable ways of teaching...but why isn't there more variety? Where's the creativity?
My buddy Manuel has a unique twist to the first option - he guarantees his student a win! Manuel helps her find the moves to do so. He would also purposefully allow tactical combinations. It is very unthreatening to the student and it makes for a fun stream.

I have yet to try this myself, but I plan to sometime soon.

Another twist could be to play Hand & Brain with the student. That way when you review the game afterwards, it's a collaboration instead of a critique. I find playing Hand and Brain a great way to see how my student thinks and for her to see how I think.

Another option is to simply ask! Ask the student what he wants to work on or where he feels he needs help. This is especially useful when the student is a bit advanced.

For me, the key is to be creative and personalized. Make it educational, make it meaningful, and definitely make it fun.

Meet the student where she is and design an "answer" based on that. (See my earlier blog post, "Meet me in St. Louis"), but also keep trying different things. I do this when I coach Volleyball. I am always on the lookout for different, creative ways to help a player "get it." Everyone learns differently, so don't coach them as if they are all the same.

What are some creative ideas you have for teaching/learning? What creative ways of teaching have you seen? I'd love to expand my toolbox!