Shadow Protocol (Fundamentals)
How to learn by watching before you coach.
Before you run a fundamentals class, you'll spend four sessions shadowing experienced coaches. Shadowing means attending class purely as an observer. You're not coaching, not giving feedback to students, and not jumping in to play. You're watching how the lead coach runs the room.
Each session has a specific focus area so you're not trying to absorb everything at once. That's cognitive overload (the same reason we don't give students five concepts between games).
Shadow across different coaches if possible. Every coach runs the room differently, and seeing multiple approaches helps you develop your own style rather than copying one person. Sit where you can see both the coach and the students. You want to watch how the room responds, not just what the coach does.
Don't take notes during class. It's distracting to students and pulls your attention away from observing. Write your notes immediately after.
For the kids program shadow protocol, see Shadow Protocol (Kids).
The Sessions
Each session has its own page. Read it before that class, then do its quiz and reflection after.
- Shadow Session 1: Game Design and Rules Communication
- Shadow Session 2: Feedback and Coaching Language
- Shadow Session 3: Timing, Pacing, and Energy
- Shadow Session 4: Observation and Adaptation
When You're Done
After four shadow sessions, you move to the Assist Protocol for six sessions. If you don't feel ready after four shadows, do more. The goal is understanding, not speed.