To wrap up our latest #EN_CoachThePerson series, we have pulled together 10 top tips to help you with your delivery! The important factor to remember is that no two people are the same, so as coaches it is important for us to consider individual abilities.
Hello Coaches! 😊
With 1 in 400 people born with Cerebral Palsy (CP) (CP Sport), throughout March we have provided coaches with top tips for coaching participants with CP including things to consider and practical adaptations we can make in our sessions to support personal development.
1. For some participants with CP, outdoor temperature could be a limiting factor for an effective training session during winter months, therefore it is important for coaches to consider the environment and space that sessions will be running in
2. Keep reinforcing skill development throughout your sessions. At times where you might think it is a natural place to move on to the next activity, it may be worth repeating the activity or skill for a little longer to ensure movement patterns are learnt and remembered
3. Try to start an activity with the disabled participant starting with the ball to ensure safety of the participants, as their reactions and awareness may be affected
4. Plan a week in advance! Come to your session with your plan for next week, which you can provide your participants with ahead of the session taking place so they are aware of what will be happening in the next session
5. Someone with high tone CP (tight muscles) will only have partial extension of their limbs. Coaches can find out more about their participants full extension by asking them to show you how far they can reach
6. Encourage participants to ‘buddy up’ with another participant or coach to help with stretches at the end of the session as part of the cool down. Offering support with the movements and stretches will help them to develop optimum performance and also help to improve their extension length over time
7. Consider adaptations that can be included within your sessions to ensure safety with balance and coordination. For example, adopt the rules to include an extra step as part of the footwork rule
8. Epilepsy is a feature of CP, therefore as coaches it is important for us to be aware of this when welcoming new participants to our sessions. Ensure all details are recorded on membership forms so coaches can ensure the safety of all participants throughout their session
9. Participants with CP, depending on the severity, are likely to have an active startal (moro) reflex. Ensure when blowing the whistles in sessions, that you are not stood close to the participant, or give them a warning beforehand to let them know you are about to gather everyone’s attention
10. Participants with CP may have to use 3-5 times more energy to perform the same amount of work as their peers, therefore ensure your coaching sessions are panned with regular breaks included, and shorter periods of time for participants to be active.
If you are interested in becoming a Core Inclusive Club or would like some further information, please contact Richard Evans Strategic Lead for Disability on richard.evans@englandnetball.co.uk
