Method for presenting games 

TELL IT 

• Name the game. It’s important to provide your student-athlete with the name of the game! This will allow for a quick reference if you want to repeat the game at a subsequent practice. 
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• Present the rules as simply and concisely as possible. Speak clearly so that everyone can hear. Break down the steps to the game, and avoid confusion by adding too much detail. 

SHOW IT

• A brief demonstration will clarify the rules, no matter how effective the explanation. 
• Prompt for questions – Ask, “what questions do you have?” Before starting a game, be sure to check to see if any of your student-athletes need clarification. 

DO IT

• Play the game! Even if the student-athletes are uncertain about some of the rules, they will probably learn quickly once the action starts. If you still notice confused looks and little to no activity, stop and explain or demonstrate again. For games without a clear ending or winner, set a timer to signify the end of the game or end of a round.
• Adapt: If you notice that athlete energy or enthusiasm is declining, offer a modification or a progression. 

REVIEW IT

• Reflect = Ask questions to draw learning from the game. For example: what did you learn from this experience, and how can you use it in the future?  

NICA on and off the bike games fall into a couple of different categories. Playing the right category of game at the right time in the season will produce the best results. Playing a game at the wrong time may lead to a negative experience for athletes and coaches. The coaches must adjust and adapt the games based on observations of their athletes. 

Stay tuned for next month’s feature on how to scaffold and sequence your games!