Three coaches will be observed on three separate coaches in training sessions. There is a value in observing coach behaviour on match-day, which would undoubtedly add to the richness of the study. The practicalities of carrying this out as part of this study are prohibitive.
The coaches will be all full time employees, one coaching the under 10’s, one coaching the under 14’s & one coaching the under 18’s.
The data to be collected will be as follows using an amended version of the Coach Analysis Intervention System (Cushion, Harvey 2012) and will capture the number and nature of whole group, small group and individual behaviours to reflect the following five behaviours:
a. Instruction – Information given before, during or after the desired action
b. Questioning Convergent – Limited number of correct answers
c. Questioning Divergent – Multiple responses
d. Feedback – Coach feedback on the outcome of an action
e. Silence – Coach monitors practice without reacting verbally or non-verbally, maintaining eye contact with the players
f. Punitive – Verbal or non-verbal behaviours demonstrating displeasure at the players performance or practice behaviour
The duration of time that the players are active during the session will also be recorded. Time not active will be coded as either interventions (coach stopping the practice to engage in the above defined behaviours with the whole group) or session management (time spent setting up practice, resting or having drinks). The average whole group intervention time will be calculated along with the amount of time the players were active between stoppages.
All sessions will be filmed and, subsequent to the session, coaches will be provided with a recording of the session (including audio), the coded and quantifiable data in relation to the coach behaviour and an analysis of the practice activities utilized analysed against the below definitions utilised from The Coach Analysis Intervention System (Cushion, Harvey 2012):
Check whether the data satisfy the assumptions for parametric testing. Following your data exploration, state the test suitable for the data analysis
Conduct your chose analysis and report the results using internationally accepted conventions.
Conduct any further analysis necessary to draw a full conclusion and assist interpretation.
Interpret the results of the analyses, making sure that you address the hypotheses specified in question.
Explain what these findings mean in ‘real terms’ or to coaches/general public
What conclusions and recommendations can you make based on these findings?
