|
Who do you coach? How long have you been involved in coaching?
I coach St Mirren junior women and am the assistant coach of the national cadettes. I first started coaching whilst at college, many moons ago, before going to work at camp in the States. Playing in the English national league I deputised for my coach occasionally and then became assist coach when I injured my knee, so over 20years.
Who/what/how did you get involved in coaching?
My college course involved a variety of sports coaching and I had the opportunity to go to the States to coach at camp there, with my ex-junior coach Lawrence Randak’s support. Then as a player I stepped in to help when my coach wasn’t there. As I got older I had to choose whether to continue playing or still be involved by coaching.
What recent coach education/development experiences have you attended
I attended the High Performance Workshop with Warwick Cann and the BS Coaching Clinic with GB coaches. The most valuable workshop I’ve attended this year was in Slovenia alongside the FIBA U15 Girls camp.
What is your top coaching tip?
It’s so important to teach your players to do the basics properly – it’s the small, simple things that make the difference between an average player and a good player. Find ways to support your players to practice footwork, for example, which they might think is boring but essential. With younger players focus on improving the player individually not the team – if a player improves then the team becomes stronger.
What do you enjoy about coaching in the National Squad programmes?/What is your coaching highlight from working within the National Squad programme?
I’ve been involved with National Teams (in Scotland & England) since I played and the opportunities to work with good players and help them improve, succeed is what I enjoy most. For most players it’s their first experience at this level and it’s rewarding just to help them along the way. The highlights for me are when the ‘penny drops’ and players understand what is being asked of them, especially against European competition.
Who is your coaching role model and why?
I wouldn’t say I have a specific role model but I have been influenced by several strong characters. They are all similar in that they have a passion for basketball and how it should be played. Ian Gordon very much has his own physical style and his technical knowledge as a FIBA ref was invaluable. Secondly, Brani Bazany, who coached England under 18 & 20 women when I was team manager, his attention to detail and preparation was admirable as he focused on the basics and conditioning. Tracy Killingley, who was England captain and player coach when I played at Crystal Palace, led by example and enthused the team to inspired performances.
What advise would you give to other female coaches looking to start coaching?
A good start is to get a coaching qualification, then go and watch other coaches coach. Go to games and go and watch practices – you’ll learn more there. I’ve learnt so much from watching coaches during training with their team; Soviet Union team and Brazilian women’s club team at Crystal Palace were amazing. Don’t be afraid to ask any coach if you can come along to training & watch – it’s not a secret society!
|
