As coaches, we all want to help our players succeed. But sometimes, in our eagerness to guide them, we end up doing too much. Constantly giving instructions—telling players exactly what to do, when to do it, and how to do it—may feel like good coaching in the moment. However, this approach can lead to a dangerous consequence: player dependency.

If your players are waiting for you to tell them what to do during every rally or struggling to adapt during matches, over-coaching might be the issue. Let’s explore why this happens and how shifting toward guided discovery can empower your players to take control of their game.

The Problem with Over-Coaching

1. It Creates Dependency

When coaches provide constant explicit instructions—“move your feet,” “finish your follow-through,” “play crosscourt”—players stop thinking for themselves. Instead of reading the game and making decisions, they rely on the coach to dictate every action.

In matches, where coaches aren’t there to intervene, these players often freeze, unsure of how to solve problems on their own.

2. It Stifles Creativity and Problem-Solving

Over-coaching narrows a player’s ability to explore and adapt. By always telling them how to do something, you inadvertently prevent them from discovering their own solutions. Tennis is a dynamic, ever-changing sport. To thrive, players need to develop creativity and adaptability—not a checklist of instructions.

3. It Ignores Individuality

No two players are the same. What works for one might not work for another. By giving explicit, one-size-fits-all instructions, you risk forcing players into a mold that doesn’t suit their unique strengths and capabilities.

The Solution: Guided Discovery

Instead of overloading your players with instructions, try guided discovery—a coaching method that encourages players to find their own solutions within a supportive framework. This approach, a cornerstone of My Coach’s Eye, focuses on asking the right questions and setting up environments that guide players to learn through exploration and experience.

How Guided Discovery Works

1. Ask Questions, Don’t Give Answers
   Instead of telling players what to do, ask questions that encourage them to think critically:
   • “What did you notice about your opponent’s position?”
   • “Where do you think you should place the ball next time?”
   • “How could you have recovered better after that shot?”
   These prompts engage players’ problem-solving skills and help them develop a deeper understanding of the game.

2. Create Representative Learning Environments (RLEs)
   Design drills and games that mimic the unpredictable nature of match play. For example:
   • Set up small-sided games where players must adjust to changing conditions, like varying court sizes or specific tactical goals.
   • Encourage players to make tactical decisions under pressure, such as choosing when to attack versus defend based on the score.
   By practicing in environments that reflect the realities of tennis, players learn to adapt and solve problems in real time.

3. Use Constraints to Guide Learning
   Instead of explicitly instructing players, manipulate constraints to nudge them toward the desired outcome. For example:
   • Limit shot options (e.g., they can only hit crosscourt) to encourage better positioning.
   • Adjust court dimensions to emphasize certain tactics, like finding angles or hitting deep.
   These constraints allow players to explore and discover effective solutions without being explicitly told what to do.

4. Focus on the Why, Not Just the How
   Help players understand the why behind their actions. For example:
   • Instead of saying, “Hit crosscourt,” explain, “Hitting crosscourt gives you more margin for error and keeps your opponent further away from the net.”
   • By understanding the reasoning behind their decisions, players become more intentional and strategic in their play.

Why Guided Discovery Empowers Players

1. Builds Independence

Players who learn through guided discovery are better equipped to think for themselves during matches. They can analyze situations, adjust their tactics, and solve problems without relying on external input.

2. Enhances Creativity

When players are free to explore, they develop their own style and solutions. This creativity not only makes them more versatile but also more resilient under pressure.

3. Develops Long-Term Skills

Guided discovery focuses on transferable skills like decision-making, adaptability, and tactical awareness. These skills stick with players far longer than rote technical instructions.

How to Get Started

If you’re used to giving explicit instructions, transitioning to guided discovery may feel challenging at first. Start small:

• Replace one technical drill with a game-based practice that involves decision-making.
• Ask open-ended questions instead of providing answers.
• Reflect on your sessions: Were your players actively engaged in problem-solving, or were they simply following orders?

Remember, the goal is to guide—not dictate.

Let’s Modernize Your Coaching Together

Want more ideas on how to incorporate guided discovery into your sessions? Subscribe to my email list for weekly coaching tips, free resources, and exclusive insights from My Coach’s Eye.

Coaching is about empowering players to become independent thinkers, problem-solvers, and adaptable athletes. Let’s work together to help your players take charge of their own development—and unlock their full potential.