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Unlocking the Power of Interventions: A Coach’s Secret Weapon
As coaches, we know that great training doesn’t just happen — it’s shaped through moments of insight, connection and guidance. One of the best ways to spark that learning journey? Interventions — small but powerful interactions that help players grow, think, and improve.
What Exactly Is an Intervention?
An intervention is when you step in during a practice to speak with your players — whether that’s the entire team, a small group, or just one individual. It’s not about controlling every movement, but about supporting learning. You might intervene to:
🔹 offer feedback
🔹 give praise or encouragement
🔹 set a new challenge
🔹 highlight a key coaching point
🔹 introduce a progression to what you’re working on next
It’s about guiding, not directing.
Three Ways to Intervene — and When to Use Them
Interventions don’t need to be one-size-fits-all. Here are the three main approaches:
1. Whole Group Intervention
This is when you pause the session and address everyone at once. It’s great for sharing a key message or resetting focus — but timing is everything. Done well, it brings clarity. Done too often, it can kill momentum.
2. Small Group Intervention
Sometimes just a handful of players need that extra nudge or explanation. With this method, the rest of the team keeps playing while you support a smaller group — a perfect balance between guidance and game flow.
3. Individual Intervention (drive by coaching)
Need to work privately with one player? Take them aside while others continue. This allows you to tailor your message — ideal for building confidence or addressing specific learning points.
Coaching Tips That Make Interventions Count
You’ve seen the types — now let’s make them effective:
Make It Meaningful
Don’t intervene just to fill silence. Ask yourself:
Why now? Will this enhance learning? What do I want to see happen next?
Thoughtful intention makes your message stick.
Pick the Right Moment
Jumping in at every mistake can frustrate players. A good rule of thumb is the Rule of Three:
• First mistake — notice it but let it go
• Second — observe for trend
• Third — it’s time to support
This helps you avoid interrupting unnecessarily while still offering timely guidance.
(FA Learning, 2023)
Be Clear and Concise
Keep your language simple and targeted. Complex explanations weigh players down; quick, memorable insights let them get straight back to activity. Try linking every intervention to a clear challenge — like “show me three different ways to pass” — and then watch them put it into action.
Praise Like You Mean It
Never underestimate the power of positive reinforcement. When you see players applying what you’ve talked about — even in tiny ways — call it out. It could boost confidence and engagement, especially with younger players.
Why Interventions Matter
When used thoughtfully, interventions become more than just coaching moments — they become moments of growth. They help players think for themselves, build confidence and deepen understanding. And for you, they become a way of connecting your observations with purposeful action.
Next time you’re planning a session, think about when and how you’ll intervene — not just what you’ll coach. That simple shift can make all the difference.
MY OWN RULE OF 3:
- 3 agreed times that I can stop the session. Players know that there won't be more than THREE stops in their game play, so 1) they focus and 2) I challenge myself to pick 3 key points...
*This is not every session, this can be when it seems relevant and when game play and repetition is more needed*
follow me on social media for coaching session ideas: @LloydOwers (X and TikTok)