I recently had dinner with Brent Rushall, one of my former professors from San Diego State (Master’s program). The man 
is a wealth of coaching science knowledge (check out his site, http://coachsci.sdsu.edu/ if you ever need researched based answers to coaching questions).
One of the stories he told me is unfolding right now in professional baseball. It seems that a consultant to the Philadelphia Philles convinced the team to practice “peer coaching” where players coach each other. The inside scoop reveals that the players love it! They arrive early to practice, stay late, take extra reps and report increased enjoyment. Sounds like a coach’s dream!
Research from the classroom has documented the benefits of peers helping peers, meaning teachers helping teachers and students helping students. Thus far I’ve found only a few references to peer coaching in sport. Here’s an overview of the concept:
“Peer coaching uses a support community (“cohorts”) with feedback procedures to improve or change classroom procedures. Specific outcomes of peer coaching are increased practice, increased skill development, appropriate use of new strategies and longer-term retention of skills. Knowing whom to approach, what to ask them for help with and being sensitive to individuals’ needs goes a long way in building a strong culture. Students need to have others to share successes with and to support each other in taking risks.” Source: Teaching sport concepts and skills: a tactical games approach By Stephen A. Mitchell, Judith L. Oslin, Linda L. Griffin
Stay Tooned! I plan to find out more about this intriguing, World Series worthy coaching model!
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