Driscoll's Model of Reflection for Coaches: What, So What, Now What?

The Simplest Reflection Framework

John Driscoll's model, developed in 1994 and refined in subsequent editions, reduces structured reflection to three questions. This makes it the most accessible framework for busy coaches who want structured reflection without a lengthy process.

The three questions are:

• What? — A description of the experience.
• So what? — Analysis and interpretation.
• Now what? — Planning for the future.

Each question has a set of prompts beneath it, but the core framework is simple enough to complete in five minutes after a training session or match.

Stage 1: What?

A description of the event.

Answer: What happened? Who was there? What did you do? What did others do? What was the outcome?

Coaching example: "Wednesday session with the U16s. Worked on defending in a mid-block. 15 players. Used a shadow play exercise, then a 7v5 defending game, then a 10v10 match. The defending game produced good shape but the match fell apart defensively in the final 15 minutes."

Keep this descriptive. Save your analysis for the next stage.

Stage 2: So What?

Analysis and interpretation of the event.

Answer: What does this mean? Why did things happen the way they did? What have you learned from this? How does this fit with what you already know about coaching?

This is the most valuable stage. It requires you to move past the surface of what happened and think about why.

Coaching example: "The match broke down because I introduced too many defensive triggers in one session. Players remembered the shape from the shadow play but could not apply the triggers under pressure. This is the same issue I had three weeks ago with a different unit. I keep loading too much information at once. The players are not failing to understand — they are failing to retain and apply under pressure."

The "So what?" stage often surfaces patterns across sessions. Notice that the example above references a previous session. This is where a reflective log becomes valuable — you can see recurring themes rather than treating each session in isolation.

Stage 3: Now What?

Planning action based on your reflection.

Answer: What are you going to do differently? When will you try it? How will you know if it worked?

Coaching example: "Next defending session: introduce one trigger only. Run it repeatedly across different game scenarios before adding a second trigger. Review in two weeks — if the trigger is automatic in the shadow play and the game, introduce a second. If not, return to stage one."

The "Now what?" becomes a plan with a review date. Without the review date, it stays intention rather than improvement.

Why Driscoll Works for Busy Coaches

Driscoll's model is compact enough to use after every session, not just once a month. The three-question structure can be completed verbally — some coaches record a two-minute voice note in the car after training. Others write three paragraphs in a notebook.

At this pace, a coach who trains three times a week generates 150 structured reflections across a season. Patterns that would be invisible in ten reflections become obvious in 150.

Using Driscoll for CPD Evidence

The three-stage structure maps directly onto what CPD assessors look for:

• What — Evidence that the experience happened.
• So what — Evidence that you reflected on it and drew conclusions.
• Now what — Evidence that the learning changed your practice.

An entry covering all three stages satisfies the requirements of most coaching governing bodies for self-directed reflective CPD.

FAQ

How long should a Driscoll reflection take?

Five to ten minutes for a standard session. The "So what?" stage can take longer if a session surfaces something significant, but the initial pass through all three questions should not take more than five minutes.

When should I use Driscoll versus Gibbs?

Use Driscoll when you want a quick, consistent practice after every session. Use Gibbs when you want to go deeper on a specific event — a difficult session, a breakthrough, or a recurring problem. Many coaches use Driscoll daily and Gibbs monthly.

Can voice notes count as Driscoll reflections?

Yes, if they cover the three stages. A spoken two-minute reflection after training that covers what happened, what it means, and what you will try next is a valid Driscoll reflection. Transcribe or export it to keep it as evidence.

---

[CoachReflection](https://coachreflection.com/signup?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=driscoll) guides you through structured post-session reflection in under five minutes. Free to start.