A crew can work hard and still feel out of sync. Sometimes the first thing to fix is the way we coach it.

Agree on the language

When one coach says “reach,” another says “rotate,” and a third asks for more power, a developing paddler may hear three competing tasks. Before practice, agree on the day’s focus, the cue you will use, and who will deliver it. Different coaches bring valuable experience; a shared lesson helps that experience land.

One correction at a time

Choose one observable behavior rather than a judgment about the person. “Let’s place the blade together” gives the crew something to do. “You’re messing up the timing” gives someone something to defend. Allow several strokes to try the cue, then check whether it helped.

Make authority clear

Name the lead coach for the session and clarify who makes operational decisions. If the usual lead is absent, use the club’s agreed delegation of responsibility. Assistants should know whom to consult rather than improvising competing instructions.

Debrief together

Ask what the crew understood, which cue worked, and what should carry into the next practice. Discuss coaching disagreements privately and respectfully. Consistency should support learning while leaving room for questions and individual needs.

Bring it to practice

Before the next practice, have the coaching team agree on one skill, one cue, and one lead voice. Afterward, ask two paddlers what they understood.