Beyond the "Do This": The Art of Questioning to Guide Athletes to Their Own Solutions in Coaching

At The Coaching Mindset, we believe in nurturing athletes who don't just follow instructions, but truly understand their sport, make informed decisions, and solve problems under pressure. While telling an athlete what to do might get a quick result, it rarely leads to lasting learning or genuine development. This is where the often-underestimated art of questioning comes in, transforming coaches into facilitators who empower athletes to discover their own solutions.

Think of it: the moment a coach asks a well-placed question, the athlete's brain switches from "receive information" mode to "problem-solving" mode. This active engagement is the secret sauce for deeper learning and lasting change.

Why Questioning Trumps Telling Every Time

The benefits of a questioning approach extend far beyond simply finding an answer:

1. Developing Independent Thinkers: When you ask an athlete "What could you have done differently there?" instead of "You should have passed earlier," you're forcing them to analyse, evaluate, and come up with their own conclusions. This builds genuine understanding and decision-making skills that they can apply in future game situations, not just memorised commands.

2. Forging the Brain-Body Connection: Learning isn't just physical; it's deeply cognitive. By prompting an athlete to articulate why a certain technique works, or how they might adjust their positioning, you're strengthening the neural pathways between their understanding and their physical execution. This leads to more intelligent, adaptable play.

3. Boosting Self-Awareness and Performance: Questions help athletes become more aware of their own performance, their strengths, and their areas for improvement. This self-reflection is a critical skill for continuous growth. When they identify the problem, they're far more invested in finding and implementing the solution.

4. Understanding Your Athletes Better: Asking questions isn't just about guiding them; it's about learning from them. Their answers reveal their thought processes, their understanding (or misunderstanding), their motivations, and their perceived challenges. This invaluable insight allows you to tailor your coaching more effectively.

   
   

The Coach as a Master Questioner: How to Do It

It's not just about asking any question; it's about asking the right question, at the right time, in the right way.

• Prioritise Open-Ended Questions: These are your best friends. They encourage thought, discussion, and detailed responses, rather than a simple 'yes' or 'no'.

  • Instead of: "Did you keep your eye on the ball?" (Closed)

  • Try: "What did you focus on as the ball came towards you?" (Open)

  • Instead of: "Why did you shoot then?" (Can sound accusatory)

  • Try: "What was your thinking as you approached the goal?" (Invites reflection)

• Focus on the "How" and "Why": These words unlock deeper reasoning.

  • "How could you adjust your footwork to get more power?"

  • "Why do you think that particular tactic wasn't effective today?"

• Prompt for Recall and Future Action:

  • Recalling Past Action: "What did you notice about the opposition's defence in that moment?" or "What was the most challenging part of that drill for you?"

  • Planning Future Action: "If that situation happened again, what's one thing you'd try differently?" or "What's your plan for supporting your teammate when they have the ball?"

• Listen More Than You Talk: Once you've asked the question, give the athlete time to think and formulate their answer. Resist the urge to jump in with the solution. Their struggle to find the answer is where the learning truly happens.

• Be Curious, Not Judgemental: Approach questioning with genuine curiosity. Your tone should be supportive and collaborative, making the athlete feel safe to explore ideas, even if they're not perfect.

By mastering the art of questioning, coaches move beyond simply delivering instructions. They become facilitators of growth, empowering athletes to unlock their own potential, develop crucial decision-making skills, and truly understand the 'why' behind their actions. This approach not only improves performance but builds a more intelligent, adaptable, and ultimately, more fulfilled athlete.

What's one question you regularly use to get your athletes thinking? Share your insights in the comments below!