Leading a Supervised Coaching Session

In this lesson you will learn how this module works. You first register your interest, and an authorised WFA assessor or committee member reviews your progress through the pathway before approving you. You will then be paired with a supervising coach, who will agree a date, group and session focus with you. You will plan the session, deliver it with the supervisor present and review it together afterwards. The supervisor is there to support you and keep everyone safe, and they can step in if needed. This is a learning experience, so ask questions, try things and reflect honestly. The written questions check your understanding alongside the practical session.

• Register interest and await approval
• Agree date, group and focus with your supervisor
• Plan, deliver and review the session
• The supervisor supports you and keeps everyone safe

In this lesson you will prepare your session plan. Find out the numbers, ages, abilities and any medical or additional needs of the group from your supervisor. Set a clear, specific aim and choose a warm-up, two or three progressive activities and a game or scenario that link to it. Include timings, a layout sketch, an equipment list and an easier and harder version of each activity using STEP. Add a contingency plan for weather or numbers. Share the plan with your supervisor in advance so they can offer suggestions. A strong plan gives you confidence and lets you focus on the players on the day.

• Gather information about the group
• Set a clear aim and progressive activities
• Include timings, layout, equipment and STEP options
• Share the plan with your supervisor in advance

In this lesson you will prepare for safety on the day. Arrive early and check the playing area, nets and equipment for hazards. Confirm that batters and keepers have the right protective equipment, including helmets when facing or standing up to a hard ball. Know where the first aid kit is, who the first aider is and the emergency procedure for the venue. Plan safe spacing and the direction of hitting. Check the weather and ensure players have water. Make sure you understand the WFA safeguarding arrangements, including who the welfare lead is. This module does not replace accredited first aid or safeguarding training, which the WFA strongly recommends.

• Arrive early and check area and equipment
• Confirm protective equipment and helmets
• Know first aid and emergency arrangements
• Understand the safeguarding arrangements

In this lesson you will learn to make a strong start. Greet players as they arrive and take a register so you know who is present. Gather the group so they can see and hear you, introduce yourself and the supervisor, and explain the session aim in a sentence or two. Share any key safety rules. Then move quickly into a warm-up that raises the heart rate, prepares the body and links to the session theme, ideally using a ball. A confident, organised and friendly start sets the tone for the whole session and helps players relax and engage straight away.

• Greet players and take a register
• Gather the group and share the aim
• Explain the key safety rules
• Move quickly into a themed warm-up

In this lesson you will focus on delivery. Explain each activity briefly, demonstrate the key point and get players active quickly. Move around the groups, observing and giving specific, positive feedback. Use questions to help players discover solutions. Watch the level of challenge and use STEP to progress or regress individuals or the whole group. Keep an eye on time, but be willing to adjust your plan if an activity is working particularly well or not at all. Finish with a game or scenario that lets players apply the skill. Your supervisor will look for how well you respond to what you see.

• Brief explanations and clear demonstrations
• Move around, observe and give specific feedback
• Use STEP to adjust challenge
• Adapt the plan and finish with a game

In this lesson you will learn to manage behaviour and surprises. Set clear expectations at the start and praise players who meet them. Deal with minor behaviour issues calmly and fairly, for example by refocusing a player or giving them a role. If behaviour becomes unsafe, stop the activity. If a player is injured, stop play, follow the first aid arrangements and inform your supervisor. If the weather turns or numbers change, use your contingency plan. If a safeguarding concern arises, report it to the WFA welfare lead. Staying calm and in control reassures players and shows your supervisor you can lead safely.

• Set expectations and praise good behaviour
• Deal with minor issues calmly and fairly
• Stop for injuries and follow first aid procedure
• Use contingency plans and report concerns

In this lesson you will close and review your session. Finish with a short cool-down and bring the group together. Ask players what they learned and enjoyed, recap the key point and mention what comes next. Make sure all players are collected safely, especially juniors, and that equipment is packed away. Then sit down with your supervisor. Start with your own reflection: what went well, what did not and what you would change. Listen carefully to their feedback and agree two or three action points. Write these on your plan. This honest review is the most valuable part of the module and prepares you for the practical assessment.

• Cool down and recap the key learning
• Ensure juniors are collected safely
• Reflect first, then listen to your supervisor
• Agree and record two or three action points