Special Olympics

Coaching Special Olympics Athletes

The better the coach …

the better the experiences …

the better the athlete!

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Special Olympics

Course Overview

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1 - The Athlete

2 - Teaching &Training

4 - Managing the Program

3 - Preparing for & Coaching During

Competition

Special Olympics

Unit 1 - The AthleteImportant Considerations

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Psychological(Learning)

SocialMedical

Special Olympics

Psychological ConsiderationsMotivation

◦ Short attention span and interest◦ Short-term vs. long-term goals

Perception◦ Sight or hearing impairments◦ Attention or focus challenges

Comprehension (Understanding)◦ Visual and physical vs. verbal◦ Simplify tasks◦ Learning speed and plateau

Memory◦ Repetition & reinforcement◦ Progression

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2-minute Drill

Psychological considerations - Part 1

Psychological Item Challenge

2-minute Drill

Psychological considerations - Part 2

Psychological Item Challenge Action

Special Olympics

Medical Considerations

Down Syndrome◦ Atlanto-axial

instability◦ Prohibited sports

Medications◦ Physical side

effects◦ Medical

information

Seizures◦ Incidence◦ Athlete safety

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Physical Disabilities

◦Non-ambulatory

◦Muscle strength

Autism◦Over arousal

◦Visual board

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

2-minute Drill

Medical considerations

ActionCircle the challenge that correlates with the appropriate action.

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Special Olympics

Social Considerations

Social Skills

◦ Communication

◦ Interaction with others

Recreation at Home

◦ Lack of activity

◦ Lack of encouragement

Economic Status

◦ Financial means

◦ Independent transportation

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Question

Social considerations

What social consideration(s) may impact an athlete’s participation in Special Olympics?

A. Inappropriate responses to social situations

B. Physical inactivity being modeledC. Lack of enduranceD. Lack of access to transportation

Unit 2 – Teaching & Training the Athlete

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Organizing a Training Session

Warm-Up &Stretching

SkillsInstruction

CompetitionExperience

Cool-Down,Stretch, &Reward

Time Component and Details Layout of Drill or Activity

Training Sequence

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Task

Skill

Application

Competition

Training Sequence

Training Sequence Element Challenge Action

Communication

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Clear

Concrete

Concise

Consistent

Command-oriented

Communication

Communication Criteria Description Sport Example

Levels of Assistance

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Verbal

Demonstration

Partial Physical Assistance

Full Physical Assistance

Level of Instruction or Assistance

Description Sport ExampleLevel of

Instruction or Assistance

Managing Athlete Behavior

Athlete Behavior Characteristics Strategies to Improve Learning

Organizing a Training Session

Warm-Up &Stretching

SkillsInstruction

CompetitionExperience

Cool-Down,Stretch, &Reward

Time Component and Details Layout of Drill or Activity

Unit 3 - Preparing for Competition

Registration

Official competition rules

Supervision

Travel and overnight

Competition-Day Coaching

Guidelines for success:

Teach responsibility & independence

Arrive early

Encourage maximum effort in divisioning & competition

Let athletes compete

Make any official protests calmly

Help athletes learn from winning & losing

Special Olympics

Unit 4 – Managing the Program

The Coach

Is sports and coaching knowledgeable

Is Special Olympics knowledgeable

Recruits and trains assistant coaches

Recruits athletes

Assists with appropriate sport selection

The successful Special Olympics coach:

Special Olympics

The Coach

The successful Special Olympics coach also:

Offers activities for all abilities

Puts a priority on safety

Conducts high-quality training and competition

Involves families

Assists with community inclusion

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Special Olympics

Areas of Focus

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TeachingSports Skills

PhysicalPreparation

MentalPreparation

Planning

Athlete Safety

Coaching Philosophy

Special Olympics

Preparation

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Pre-Season

Assessment

Goal SettingSeason Plan

Training and Competition

ReviewPost-

Season

In-SeasonCulminatingCompetition

Special Olympics

Improved Performance & Well-Being

TRAINING the key

COMPETITION the means

OUTCOMES skill, confidence, courage, & joy

GOAL better preparation for life

RESULTS lifelong skills, acceptance & increased independence

Let’s Get After It and Get It

Done!27