Show and Check: Coaching a Skill in Three Steps

In groups, a student coach teaches a skill using a three-step method: demonstrate, give one key cue, and check understanding with a question. It shows how youth coaches work and that talking more doesn't mean teaching better.

How to play

1. The teacher models the method with a layup: silent demo twice, one short cue ("long last step, drive the knee up") and a check question ("Which knee comes up when you go in from the right?") (4 min).
2. Groups of five: each coach picks a skill (bounce pass, protected dribble, jump shot, jump stop) and gets 3 minutes to teach it using the method; four turns (12 min).
3. After each turn, the group answers two questions out loud: What was the cue? Did the coach check it? (4 min).
4. Wrap-up: which coach helped the most players improve, and what did they do differently (5 min).

Rules

• Verbal explanation: 30 seconds max.
• One cue per turn, not three or four.
• Take shots in turn and retrieve balls without crossing into another group.
• Feedback to the coach starts with what worked.

Variations

Adaptations

• Visually impaired students: the coach describes the move in detail and guides with light touch, asking first.
• Deaf or hard-of-hearing students: the cue is written on a whiteboard and backed up by the demo.
• Limited mobility: coach from a chair with an arm demo, or have a helper demonstrate while they give the cue.

Learning goals

• Use a short, effective instruction method.
• Break down the key elements of a sports skill.
• Learn the core skills of a sports coach.

Equipment for a class of 25

• basketballs: 10
• basketball hoops: 4
• cones: 12

Teacher tip

Keep a visible timer so the 30-second rule holds. The classic problem is the coach who never stops talking: the check question forces them to listen.

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