Indoor coaching is concentrated time for instructors to develop their different coaching & teaching styles.

For the first three weeks of the school summer holidays I am working on an indoor wall! No sunshine but so much enthusiasm for climbing.

Students range from 9yrs to 14yrs and are putting their skills to the test on an old brick built school wall.

Climbing seems to becoming ever more popular and due to working in Bedfordshire I spend a lot of time on indoor walls. Many instructors would see this as a negative. Less environmental teaching and less wow factor. Many would prefer the crags and bigger days out. As I went through mountain training qualifications higher certificates meant more adventure so this is easy to see.

However, indoor climbing is great for coaching the FUNdamentals of climbing. I see it as a great opportunity to work with more young people. More opportunity to interact with more learners means that personal coaching style has to be developed.  I see this as concentrated time to develop coaching pedagogy.

The MTUK coaching scheme for climbing & BMC FUNdamentals are of benefit to all levels of instructors

Although mainly focused on indoor walls the climbing coaching courses from Mountain Training and the FUNdamentals from the BMC are brilliant. I cannot recommend them enough to every instructor I work with. Having a depth of knowledge of movement skills and how to break them down enriches your sessions. The courses explore approaches to observe, coach and give quality structured feedback.

For the future, better coached individuals will continue to enjoy our sport at a level that suits them. They perform better, self analyse and become more resilient learners. This is of huge benefit to performance pyramids as well as giving individuals a great sport that they can continue to get life long enjoyment from.

Never under estimate the power of being a great coach. Remember, “with great power comes great responsibility” (Uncle Ben or Voltaire)

Phil Collier is an MIA, Development Coach & PE Teacher. 

http://www.mountain-instruction.co.uk