Coach's Shadow: Follow the Runner and Log Their Choices
Students use shadowing, a common orienteering coaching method: a partner follows the runner a few meters back, silently, logging stops, hesitations, and routes. Afterward, there's a coach-athlete talk based only on what was observed.
How to play
- Observation sheet: where they stopped, for how long, whether they oriented the map, which route they took, and how they approached the control. Practice describing without judging (4 min).
- Round 1: A runs a 6-control course and B follows 2–3 meters behind, silently taking notes (10 min).
- Quick talk: B shares three observations and A explains what they were thinking at those moments (3 min).
- Round 2: switch roles on another 6-control course (10 min).
- Talk and goal: each runner leaves with one specific technical goal for the next race (5 min).
- Class share-out: the most common mistakes in the group (3 min).
Rules
- The shadow doesn't talk, point, or pass the runner.
- Keep at least 2 meters back to avoid interfering.
- In the talk, describe facts ('you stopped for 10 s here'), not judgments ('that was terrible').
- Notes stay within the pair unless the runner wants to share them.
Variations
Easier
Sheet with only three sections: stops, route, and control approach.
Standard
Full sheet and a guided talk with prompts.
Harder
The shadow tries to predict the mistake before it happens and checks afterward.
Adaptations
- Visual impairment: runs with a guide while the shadow observes both, or shadows alongside the teacher.
- Limited mobility: shadows on accessible routes or runs an adapted course with a shadow.
- Low confidence: picks their partner and can start as the shadow to see how it works.
Learning goals
- Observe and record another person's technique with objective criteria.
- Give and receive feedback respectfully.
- Set a personal technical goal based on data.
Equipment for a class of 25
- school maps: 40
- observation sheets: 30
- pencils: 30
- clipboards: 15
- control markers: 12
- crayons: 12
- control cards: 30
Teacher tip
Prep sheets with a box per control so logging on the move is quick. The typical mistake is the shadow moving ahead or giving hints; remind them before each round.
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