What is the role of the coach during the cognitive phase?

The role of the coach during the cognitive phase is primarily focused on providing clear and concise instructions to the athlete. This phase is characterized by the athlete's initial understanding of a skill or task, where they are learning the basic movements and concepts involved. Keeping instructions short and concise helps to avoid overwhelming the athlete with too much information at once, which can lead to confusion or frustration. This allows the athlete to grasp the fundamentals and begin to formulate a mental model of the skill being learned.

In this context, it is crucial for coaches to present information in a way that is easily digestible, supporting the athlete’s cognitive processing. Clear communication can enhance focus and retention, which are vital as the athlete begins their journey into mastering the skill. The cognitive phase is all about building that foundational knowledge, and effectively delivered instructions play a pivotal role in this developmental stage.