Individuals have different learning styles. That is, most people favor a particular method of interacting, absorbing, and processing information. A learning style is the method of taking in information that is particular to an individual that enables them to learn in the optimal fashion.

Successful teachers and salesmen have mastered the art of identifying, teaching, and persuading individuals based on their learning style.  Coaching is no different.  A coach must identify how their player's learn and teach them in that style.  This is why many individuals who become successful coaches at some point in their life were either teachers or salesmen.

There are four major learning styles: auditory, visual, tactile (kinesthetic), and sequential. Each learning style is unique and requires a different teaching method. An individual leaves clues in their word choice and actions that enable insights into their dominant and preferred learning method.

In the past, I have blogged about the different learning styles but this page is pulled together to be a reference to the different styles.

1. Introduction
2. Auditory - learn by hearing and interpreting the underlying meanings of speech through listening to the tone of voice, pitch, speed, and other nuances.
3. Visual  - learn by seeing the teacher’s body language, movements, and facial expressions to fully understand the content of the lesson.
4. Kinesthetic - learn by doing and retain information best by doing the activity themselves through either mimicking the action or showing it to others.
5. Sequential - learn through stepping through the process from start to finish and understanding the motivation behind each step.
6. Summary - four step approach that incorporates each learning style that leads to an effective practice.

What are the learning styles of the youth athlete’s on your team?  Now break down the drills and play execution that is the focus of your next practice into the four steps to maximize the players learning potential.