Very often a coach will use a combination of both styles in a training session. For example you might "Command" the players in the basic organisation and set up of the session- where discs go, how to mark out the training area, which players put bibs on etc. If it is an attacking session, you might decide to use more "Guide and discovery" i.e "that was a decent near post run for the cross, but can you show me a better one" or "it's great that you got on the end of the cross, but can you show me a better technique for heading the ball to make it harder for the keeper to save it".

Attacking sessions lend themselves to more creative input from the players enabling you as a coach to use more "Guide and discovery"

If the session is more defensive, for example marking and covering on long balls, then you might employ more of a command style. The reason for this is that in defensive situations you might want to make it as simple as you can for your defenders. For example, you have a back four defending long balls down the middle. The ball is punted long and high down the middle towards your centre halves. You would "command" that one of your centre halves, communicates clearly his intention to attack the ball and head it. You would also "command" that the other center half and two fullbacks immediately drop off to cover and protect the goal, in case the ball is flicked on or missed by the center half . You "command" this area of the session. You might then use "guide and discovery" with regards to the technique of defensive headers, the angle and distance of the covering player or the starting position of the goalkeeper.

Most coaches agree that the best coaching sessions employ a combination of the two coaching styles. The combination used would depend on a number of factors such as your own personality, the age, experience and number of players taking part in the session. The main theme of the session, attacking or defending, the time you have available and weather conditions.

The more you as a coach help players to learn for themselves, the more likely you will feel that you aren't contributing properly as a coach. Far from it, like many things in life, less is more. It will be important that to maintain safe practice and to control the coaching session, a more commanding style will be predominately used until the players become more experienced and knowledgeable.