Coaching is a very complex and demanding profession. It requires many technical and personal skills (Chamber, D., 1997). All coaches have their own style of teaching. There is no right or wrong method of coaching. Nevertheless, the coach's philosophy determines his or her coaching aims and objectives, while having a huge influence on the athletes and it's surrounding environment.
             This report enabled me to observe a very fine coach. I am honoured to have given the opportunity to observe Winchester public school boys' senior basketball team coach Tom Liu during their basketball season. Coach Liu is knowledgeable about the sport he coaches and about the development of his athletes. His qualifications include NCCP level 1: volleyball, basketball, special Olympic (technical) and NCCP level 2 Theory. After observing several basketball practices and one basketball game, I've come to conclude coach Liu is a well respected and a good role model for his players. He provides challenging and enjoyable practice sessions. During the practices, he is able to communicate well with the athletes. He is constantly asking for the athletes' suggestions on how to improve their strategy as a team and what the athletes feel they should work on. This allows the athletes to be involved and to develop their thinking habits. Coach Liu also provides good corrective inst!
             ructions where he would pull the athlete aside and correct their mistakes either by a demonstration or by conducting proper instructions to apprehend the skill. Coach Liu is quite aggressive and enthusiastic on court. He constantly uses the command style of coaching with positive reinforcement and encouragement. Each practice he sets a specific goal for the players to carry through such as working on their foul shots, their defensing strategies, or their movement on court; the athletes are always ready for a challenge. After the athletes have accom...