Examining the Influence of Remote Coaching on Psychosocial Skill Development in Elite Athletes

Christoph Szedlak, Bettina Callary, Matthew Smith

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference abstract

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)
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationInternational Sport Coaching Journal
Subtitle of host publicationInternational Council for Coaching Excellence (ICCE) 13th Global Coach Conference
PublisherHuman Kinetics Publishers Inc.
ISBN (Print)2328-918X
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021
Externally publishedYes
EventInternational Council for Coaching Excellence (ICCE)
13th Global Coach Conference
- Lisbon, Portugal
Duration: 17 Nov 202121 Nov 2021

Publication series

NameInternational Sport Coaching Journal
PublisherHuman Kinetics Publishers Inc.
ISSN (Print)2328-918X

Conference

ConferenceInternational Council for Coaching Excellence (ICCE)
13th Global Coach Conference
Country/TerritoryPortugal
CityLisbon
Period17/11/2121/11/21

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