Examining the Roles and Consequent Decision-Making Processes of High-Level Strength and Conditioning Coaches

Abstract

Research into sports coaches has identified the valuable role they play concerning social support provided to athletes together with their contribution to social and cultural interactions within both the participation and performance domains. The purpose of the present study was to qualitatively extract and examine the knowledge and on-task cognitions of high-level coaches (HLCs) within strength and conditioning (S and C). Applied cognitive task analysis (ACTA) was used to examine ten HLCs, each purposefully sampled to reflect over eight years of work in full time environments. The analysis of responses demonstrated HLCs engage in a pattern of innovative and diverse thinking, together with adaptability and multilevel planning, designed to promote an inclusive approach from performers, coaches and management. Commonality was demonstrated within the decision making of HLCs during the design of training programs. Communication was another important consideration when connecting with athletes, observing athletes, speaking to the head coach and integrating their approach with others. A confident, flexible approach to adapting to situational demands was evident and supported by the ability to recall and select from a wide range of previously learnt and tested strategies. Evidence is offered for the importance of interpersonal and social factors in HLCs’ relationships with athletes and coaches. The incorporation of strategies to support versatile, dynamic decision making within future S and C coach development materials will support more impactful performances by coaches at all stages of the coaching process.

Comparing and Contrasting the Perceptions of Strength and Conditioning Coaches towards Within-Role Decision-Making Processes

“…The richness of responses permits other SCCs to engage in the findings and recognise the concepts and examples discussed in relation to their own experiences (Smith, 2018;Smith & McGannon, 2018). The topic satisfies the criteria of being relevant, timely and significant by extending on recent investigations into the decision-making process of SCCs (Downes & Collins, 2021a;Downes & Collins, 2021b) and advocating the use of constructivist approaches within S & C development (Szedlak et al, 2021;Gearity et al, 2021). Examination of the findings should provide stimulus for coach development strategies within S & C.…”

“…The present study sought to establish the level of agreement and disagreement Earlier research identified the significant influence that planning was deemed to have on coaching performances (Gallimore & Tharp, 2004). Previously Szed- Recently it has been reported that HLCs include information about athletes on a personal level within their decision-making processes (Downes & Collins, 2021a), while Szedlak et al (2015) reported that athletes perceive more effective SCCs to build relationships through developing trust, demonstrating high approachability, and displaying a sense of humour. We recommend that, in seeking to develop effective communication skills among SCCs, future learning strategies should be authentic and ideally situated in S & C environments to support the testing and refinement of communication skills.…”

“…Interviews began with some general questions to develop rapport and familiarise participants with the format of the discussion. Following this, groups were asked to comment about the initial priorities/findings on the HLC decision-making process shown in Figure 1 (Downes & Collins, 2021a). The purpose of this discussion was to establish the level of agreement and disagreement with the findings and identify any considerations respondents perceived to be missing and, if so, why.…”

“…Gaining insights from personnel such as these into the current demands of S & C roles can assist in more relevant content being delivered. The aims of the current research were to generate deeper insights regarding previously reported findings (Downes & Collins, 2021a;Downes & Collins, 2021b) on the decision-making processes of SCCs. This was with regards to training program design as well as exploring wider aspects of a SCC's role.…”

“…One method that has been used to identify the cognitive skills needed to perform tasks proficiently is the Applied Cognitive Task Analysis (ACTA; Militello & Hutton, 1998). Such ACTA interviews have been carried out with both high-level coaches (HLCs; Downes & Collins, 2021a) and early career coaches (ECCs; Downes & Collins, 2021b) within the S & C domain. The findings of these studies demonstrate commonality across HLC's decision-making regarding training program design and the cognitive strategies used to navigate difficult elements of their role.…”