Decision Coach
Issue: Volume 28 Number 3
A common coaching dilemma faced by all team-sport coaches is how to effectively develop decision-making skill. While there is no substitute for well-planned, on-field practice activities, research over the past decade has highlighted that aspects of decision-making skill can be developed off the court through interactive, video-based approaches.
With the above in mind, Champion Data and the Australian Institute of Sport completed a collaborative research project, fu nded by the Telstra Broadband Development Fund. The outcome of this project was Decision Coach, an online vision-based program that integrates a sound pedagogical approach with some of the latest measurement and training techniques available for the development of decision-making.
A better understanding of knowing what to do and knowing how to do it in a match situation is a key component of decision-making skill. These components are often referred to as ‘declarative’ and ‘procedural’ knowledge, respectively. Decision Coach aims to develop this knowledge. Featuring an interactive response and scoring system, it can easily be customised and applied for all sports via an Authoring Kit.
How does Decision Coach work?
Decision Coach is the coupling of interactive visual challenges, response modes and scoring feedback. Put simply, it is a sport-specific computer game with sound coaching principles underlying the content displayed and tasks completed. A player can choose to complete an assessment or training session under a specific theme and topic. For example, a basketball player may complete a session focused on developing their ability to recognise pass versus shoot options.
A training or assessment session comprises a sequence of exercises. Each exercise is a combination of a selected vision clip linked to a sequence of decision-making challenges and responses. A standard challenge is a single-answer response, but this is usually coupled with other response modes such as multi-choice answers, reaction time measures and pattern recall responses.
During a training session, a player has the option of referring to coaching tips and receiving immediate scoring feedback. After completing a session, the player’s results and progress reports are displayed and stored for later comparison. This information is designed so that an individual player can interact one-on-one with ‘the coach’ or compete with fellow players.
Applicability
In summary, because Decision Coach is web based it is ideal for coaches who work with teams on a limited basis. The program allows you to coach remotely via the internet to establish more regular contact with your players. For example, team rules can be learned interactively so that precious physical practice time is not wasted. While this product is not a replacement for on-field practice activities that develop decision-making skill, it is a valuable off-field complement that is simple to use, challenging and fun for all skill levels.
To find out more about Decision Coach see www.championdata.com.au.
