Use silence after a good question
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Learning hub · CoachesCoaches · Communication · Tip · 3 min to use
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Use Silence After a Good Question
A useful question loses its value if the coach answers it immediately. Leave room for athletes to notice, think and disagree respectfully. Silence is not proof that nobody knows; some athletes need a little longer to form an answer.
When to use it
Use during game pauses or a closing discussion when the same few voices dominate.
Put It into Practice
- Ask one specific question about the play that just happened. Avoid combining three questions or hiding the answer in your wording.
- Wait without filling the space. If needed, let athletes discuss in pairs first, then invite several observations without forcing anyone to speak publicly.
- Use an answer to shape the next repetition. Explain how the group's observation changed the task so athletes can see that their thinking matters.
What It Can Look Like
After a pause, partners compare what they saw. A quieter player identifies the defender's movement and the team tests that observation.
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Take it with you: Ask fewer questions and give the answers somewhere to go.