Abstract
Remote coaching methods have the potential to encourage a learnercentred coaching approach, which not only develops sporting skills but
also psychosocial skills (Ciampolini et al., 2019). Focusing on psychosocial skill development is even more pertinent during a period where
athletes have limited opportunities to practice and perform their sport,
which could have a negative influence the athletes’ mental well-being
(Ravizza, 2002). Thus, the aim of this study was to examine how elite
coaches perceive their actions when remote coaching, and how their
athletes perceive that remote coaching can positively influence psychosocial skill development during a period of reduced social support and
movement restrictions, as experienced through the United Kingdom
COVID-19 lockdown between March and June 2020. In collaboration
with British Sailing Team, we interviewed 9 coaches and 18 athletes and
data were analysed using a thematic analysis. Our results highlight that
inherent attributes of remote coaching (i.e., limited emotional awareness)
impact on the athletes by encouraging autonomy and promoting reflection.
Furthermore, remote coaching enhances connectivity and provides nontechnical support, which stimulates the development of athletes’ psychosocial skills including self-worth, coping with stress, motivation, confidence, and strengthens the relationship by developing closeness. Our
findings provide a novel contribution to literature as they highlight that
remote coaching is an effective strategy to encourage the holistic development of the athlete. In addition, our findings suggest that remote
coaching approaches provide a useful and innovative way to support and
structure learning when in-person delivery is restricted (Stoszkowski
et al., 2015)
also psychosocial skills (Ciampolini et al., 2019). Focusing on psychosocial skill development is even more pertinent during a period where
athletes have limited opportunities to practice and perform their sport,
which could have a negative influence the athletes’ mental well-being
(Ravizza, 2002). Thus, the aim of this study was to examine how elite
coaches perceive their actions when remote coaching, and how their
athletes perceive that remote coaching can positively influence psychosocial skill development during a period of reduced social support and
movement restrictions, as experienced through the United Kingdom
COVID-19 lockdown between March and June 2020. In collaboration
with British Sailing Team, we interviewed 9 coaches and 18 athletes and
data were analysed using a thematic analysis. Our results highlight that
inherent attributes of remote coaching (i.e., limited emotional awareness)
impact on the athletes by encouraging autonomy and promoting reflection.
Furthermore, remote coaching enhances connectivity and provides nontechnical support, which stimulates the development of athletes’ psychosocial skills including self-worth, coping with stress, motivation, confidence, and strengthens the relationship by developing closeness. Our
findings provide a novel contribution to literature as they highlight that
remote coaching is an effective strategy to encourage the holistic development of the athlete. In addition, our findings suggest that remote
coaching approaches provide a useful and innovative way to support and
structure learning when in-person delivery is restricted (Stoszkowski
et al., 2015)
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | International Sport Coaching Journal |
Subtitle of host publication | International Council for Coaching Excellence (ICCE) 13th Global Coach Conference |
Publisher | Human Kinetics Publishers Inc. |
ISBN (Print) | 2328-918X |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2021 |
Externally published | Yes |
Event | International Council for Coaching Excellence (ICCE) 13th Global Coach Conference - Lisbon, Portugal Duration: 17 Nov 2021 → 21 Nov 2021 |
Publication series
Name | International Sport Coaching Journal |
---|---|
Publisher | Human Kinetics Publishers Inc. |
ISSN (Print) | 2328-918X |
Conference
Conference | International Council for Coaching Excellence (ICCE) 13th Global Coach Conference |
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Country/Territory | Portugal |
City | Lisbon |
Period | 17/11/21 → 21/11/21 |