Successful Coaches Research Paper

This essay will aim to discuss; what makes a successful coach? What attributes do successful coaches possess that separate them from other coaches? Is it to do with coaching technique, the knowledge of coaching or just the natural talent they possess as a leader? There probably is not one single attribute a successful coach possesses, as they know how to make rapid and efficient changes, get results and most importantly get the job done while still keeping his/her players at the top. A successful coach understands more than just the rules of a game and knows how to communicate with players. One of many goals to being a successful coach is to guide, inspire and also empower their players to realise and develop his or her potential as an athlete.

It is important to consider the variety of coaching methods available and choose a method that would meet the needs of both the athletes and the coach. The multidimensional model of Leadership in Sport state that players are most satisfied when the attitude and actions of the coach match the players’ preferred leader behaviour and the leadership behaviour most appropriate to the situation. It is vital to be aware of the needs of the athletes when considering coaching behaviours (Chelladurai & Saleh,

However; because of its nature to provide more variety within practice and encourages athletes to take responsibility for their own training as they may practice on their own initiative away from the coach. Following on to the third method, the reciprocal method; it promotes greater cognitive understanding and social interaction in all players. In order for a coach to demonstrate, spot players mistakes and provide feedback the players will have to consider technique, the application of the skill thought to them by the coach and finally communicate effectively to a team member. Therefore the reciprocal method promotes greater interaction among all players and also relies on having competent players within the team who are able to work with their team members.

The fourth method is known as the guided discovery method which relies heavily on a coach’s ability to require the athlete to think in depth about the resulting skill or how to do a drill or explaining it back to a coach but when asked by a coach to demonstrate, the player is more confidant and able. An example of this would be video feedback where a coach would reflect on the questions asked and then look at the technique and therefore demonstrate a greater tactical understanding. A disadvantage of this method is that it can be very time consuming