Co-constructing Confidence and Performance: A Study of Athlete-Coach Beliefs in Elite Judo

This study examined beliefs and self-confidence regarding performance factors among UK judo athletes and coaches. A total of 97 athletes (42 elite: 19 male, 23 female; 55 non-elite: 36 male, 19 female) and 61 coaches (31 elite: 25 male, 6 female; 30 non-elite: 23 male, 7 female) completed a 30-item scale based on the UK Coaching Framework (2009). The scale assessed perceived importance and confidence in five subscales: physical development, self-understanding, psychological preparation, relationships, and skills. Analysis revealed significant differences between athletes and coaches in their ratings of relationships, psychological preparation, skills, and self-understanding. Additionally, differences emerged based on biological sex for physical development, skills, and self-understanding. Through a mixed methods design qualitative insights highlighted that athletes value supportive coaching for enhancing self-confidence, while coaches emphasise understanding individual needs for effective training. These findings underscore the importance of a co-construction model that promotes athlete-coach collaboration in developing tailored support strategies to optimise overall performance outcomes.