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Language Support Instruction Plan

Use a plain task, an appropriate demonstration, and authorized language support; ask the athlete to show or explain the instruction rather than assuming understanding.

15 minutes to prepare; review after the actual taskFree · Two-page fillable PDF

Companion to When a Youth Athlete Does Not Understand the Coach's Language.

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See a worked example

Example: A player nods but cannot locate the return area. The coach shows the blue box, uses the agreed short phrase, checks the first step, and asks the authorized adult for help with a separate permission message.

01Identify the gap

Describe the instruction the child needs rather than assuming an attitude.

Instruction that was unclear

Observed response without labels

Preferred explanation or support

Private details to leave out

02Prepare the explanation

One present task should have a clear object, place and support route.

Plain task sentence

Visible object or appropriate demonstration

Essential message needing adult support

Authorized support person or method

03Check the task

A respectful check should reveal what is understood.

First step the athlete will show

Words or meaning confirmed

Unresolved part of the instruction

Responsible coach's next decision

04Use the lesson

Carry forward the clarification while keeping adult responsibilities clear.

Assistant's shared wording

Approved communication boundary

Next instruction to review

What worked and what remains uncertain