In the ever-evolving world of sports coaching, the way information is conveyed to athletes can significantly impact their skill development and performance.
Read more: Enhancing Coaching Techniques: Insights from Sports Psychology and PedagogyThe study “When and How to Provide Feedback and Instructions to Athletes?—How Sport Psychology and Pedagogy Insights Can Improve Coaching Interventions to Enhance Self-Regulation in Training” by Fabian W. Otte, Keith Davids, Sarah-Kate Millar, and Stefanie Klatt, published in Frontiers in Psychology in 2020, offers invaluable insights into optimizing coaching strategies.
Integrating Psychology anad Pedagogy in Sports Coaching
This position paper, grounded in psychology, pedagogy, and sport science, presents a practitioner-based approach addressing the critical question: When, why, and how should coaches provide information to athletes during coaching interventions? It adopts an ecological dynamics rationale, viewing practice as a quest for functional performance solutions, with augmented feedback serving as instructional constraints guiding athletes’ self-regulation.
The Skill Training Communication Model
Using team sports as an exemplar, the study introduces the Skill Training Communication Model, utilizing a constraints-led approach (CLA). This model is designed to help coaches understand the pedagogical constraints of feedback and instruction during practice sessions.
Incorporating the Periodization of Skill Training Framework
The study also integrates principles of non-linear pedagogy and the Periodization of Skill Training (PoST) framework. The PoST framework’s three stages of skill development and training are crucial for impacting constraint manipulations in practice designs and influencing coaches’ choices of external (coach-induced) information. This approach guides practitioners on when and how to apply different verbal instruction methodologies, supporting the design of effective skill learning environments.
Practical Guidelines for Coaches
The study offers several practical guidelines for sports coaches in terms of feedback and instruction processes. These guidelines aim to improve the effectiveness of coaching interventions, ensuring that athletes receive the right information at the right time to maximize their learning and skill development.
Why This Research Matters
In sports, coaching is not just about physical training; it’s also about effective communication and the appropriate delivery of feedback and instructions. This research bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, offering coaches a comprehensive framework to enhance their training methods and foster better athlete development.
Conclusion
“Feedback and Instructions to Athletes” by Otte et al. is a seminal study that significantly contributes to the field of sports coaching. It emphasizes the importance of integrating sports psychology and pedagogical insights into coaching practices, offering a nuanced and effective approach to athlete training. For coaches across all levels of sport, this study provides a valuable resource, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to nurture and develop the full potential of their athletes.
Sources
Photo by Rinke Dohmen on Unsplash
Otte, F. W., Davids, K., Millar, S.-K., & Klatt, S. (2020). When and How to Provide Feedback and Instructions to Athletes?—How Sport Psychology and Pedagogy Insights Can Improve Coaching Interventions to Enhance Self-Regulation in Training. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 1444. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01444.