
Coaching for skill development
1 September 2025How do we help participants and athletes to learn technical skills better, faster and more deeply?
When coaching is framed as supporting people to learn, we are encouraged to look for ideas that enhance learning. This short course creates the space to explore different ideas of learning and skill acquisition.
This includes providing opportunities for coaches to investigate different approaches in their coaching practice, share their experiences and generate new knowledge to support the athletes they coach.
Course ambitions
This course aims to:
- Develop and enhance several coaching methods to support skilful athletes.
- Explore different ideas around learning and how this can impact coaching practice.
- Investigate how session design, coaching behaviours and feedback can support skilful athletes.
- Consider what learning looks like in your coaching environment and how to maximise this.
Who is this for?
This course is designed for coaches at all levels and in all sports or domains. It is relevant whether you work with children, youth or adult athletes.
By encouraging a diverse group of coaches to participate, the course fosters a rich learning environment where varied perspectives deepen understanding and empathy.
Course structure
- Duration: 3 months
- Format: 6 x 90-minute sessions, held every two weeks
- Day / Time: Wednesday 12.00pm – 1.30pm or 6:00pm – 7:30pm
- Dates: 21 January, 4 February, 18 February, 4 March, 18 March, 1 April
Session dates can be negotiated with the group to navigate commitments.
What to expect
- Engaging discussions, inquiry-driven learning and reflective exercises during sessions.
- A collaborative atmosphere where coaches are encouraged to share experiences and learn from one another.
Learner expectation
- Learners will do their very best to commit to attending the full course.
- In between sessions, learners will practically apply and experiment with what they have learnt in practice.
- Open minded and willing to explore different ways of doing things.
Cost
The course is £50 per person.
Swim England