Showing papers in "International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching in 2008"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined actual and preferred sources of coaching knowledge for developmental-level coaches and found that coaching peers and formal education were the top actual sources of knowledge for coaching knowledge.
Abstract: Previous research has suggested that current formal coach education programs do not fully meet the learning needs of coaches. The purpose of the present study was to examine actual and preferred sources of coaching knowledge for developmental-level coaches. Structured quantitative interviews were conducted with coaches (N = 44) from a variety of sports. Learning by doing, interaction with coaching peers, and formal coach education were the top actual sources of coaching knowledge. Discrepancies were found between actual and preferred usage of learning by doing, formal coach education, and mentoring. Coaches indicated they would prefer more guided learning and less self-directed learning by doing. Further, differences in preferred sources were identified between coaches wishing to move to an elite level versus coaches wishing to stay at a developmental level. Findings highlight the importance of both experiential and formally guided sources of coaching knowledge and the context-specific nature of coach lea...
232 citations
TL;DR: In an attempt to describe learning outside of the usual official curriculum, concepts such as workplace learning, non-formal learning, informal learning, and incidental learning have been used in the fields of teacher education, workplace pedagogy, and sport as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: In an attempt to describe learning outside of the usual official curriculum, concepts such as workplace learning, nonformal learning, informal learning, and incidental learning have been used in the fields of teacher education, workplace pedagogy, and sport. These 'outside-of-the-classroom' learning opportunities are characterized by the important role that peers play in the learning process. Participation in communities of practice (CoPs) provides one such opportunity for learning. Recent interest in this concept for coach education and in sport has resulted in an increasing number of studies in which researchers promote CoPs, but not all these studies operationalise CoPs clearly and according to Etienne Wenger's framework. To clarify this situation and further stimulate the discussion around the potential of CoPs in sport, we present a brief history and description of the concept, compare it with related notions, and describe some recent studies on CoPs in sport.
150 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focus on the paradoxical relationship between game unpredictability and the certainty of players' actions in team ball sports, and suggest a method for training decision making, which they exemplify in the team sport of Rugby Union.
Abstract: This paper focuses on the paradoxical relationship between game unpredictability and the certainty of players' actions in team ball sports. Our research on this relationship leads us to suggest a method for training decision making, which we exemplify in the team sport of Rugby Union. The training methodology is based on application of theoretical insights from Ecological Psychology, Complex Dynamical Systems and the Constraints-Led Approach. The paper starts with a critical overview of traditional approaches to studying decision making in sport. Next we describe the sport of Rugby Union to exemplify a complex dynamical system, and explain how that conceptualisation captures the interactions of players within that performance context. We conclude our analysis by describing how to manipulate task constraints to improve decision-making performance, as players search for an appropriate blend of stability and variability in their actions. In the final part of the paper, we suggest some methods to train decisi...
131 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined how coaches who were perceived by their athletes to possess "servant leader" characteristics were associated with their athletes' use of mental skills, motivation, satisfaction and performance.
Abstract: Coaches are searching for contemporary leadership models which resonate with the modern-day athlete. Many elements of the Servant Leadership model, such as trust, inclusion, humility and service, are well suited to enhanced coach behaviors with this cohort. The purpose of this study was to examine how coaches who were perceived by their athletes to possess "servant leader" characteristics were associated with their athletes' use of mental skills, motivation, satisfaction and performance. Participants were 195 high-school basketball athletes from the Pacific Northwest in the USA. It was found that athletes who perceived their coach to possess servant leader qualities also displayed higher intrinsic motivation, were more task oriented, were more satisfied, were "mentally tougher," and performed better than were athletes coached by non-servant leaders. Furthermore, results showed that high-school basketball athletes preferred the servant-leader coaching style to more traditional styles. Results suggest that ...
105 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a survey of Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) coaches found that sport scientists and their publications were ranked very low by the coaches as a likely source of sport science information.
Abstract: The purpose of this research was to answer three specific questions: i) How do coaches perceive sport science research? ii) What sources do coaches consult when looking for new ideas? and iii) What barriers do coaches encounter when trying to access new information? All of the highperformance coaches involved in Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) were contacted to complete an on-line survey related to these questions. There were 205 coaches who completed at least part of the questionnaire. There was a strong consensus that the CIS coaches believe that sport science makes an important contribution to high-performance sport. Gaps exist between what coaches are looking for and the research that is being conducted, especially in the area of tactics and strategies. Coaches are most likely to consult other coaches, or attend coaching conferences to get new information. Sport scientists and their publications were ranked very low by the coaches as a likely source of sport science information. The barriers to the coaches’ access to sport science are the time required to find and read scientific journals, and lack of direct access to a sport scientist. Strategies to remove the barriers could include rewarding sport scientists for successful transfer of their knowledge to practice through direct communication with coaches.
101 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a case study was conducted to determine the type and source of new ideas that high-performance coaches use to understand the extent to which sport science is the source of those ideas.
Abstract: Research related to how coaches learn concludes that coaches most often learn from other coaches. So far, there has been little evidence to suggest that coaches rely on sport scientists for their information, which would indicate minimal interaction between sport scientists and coaches. The purpose of this study was to determine the type and source of new ideas that high-performance coaches use to understand the extent to which sport science is the source of those ideas. This project utilized a single case study design involving a group of 20 high-performance coaches in 12 different sports in a university environment, which one would expect to be conducive to interaction between sport scientists and coaches. The method included the administration of a questionnaire, followed by a structured personal interview. Our findings suggest that these coaches do believe that sport science can contribute to coaching, are interested in having a sport scientist work with them, and are motivated to find and implement n...
89 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe barriers influencing dietary practices of elite-level athletes using a focus-group design involving discussions with elite level athletes, coaches and sports dietitians.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to describe barriers influencing dietary practices of elite-level athletes using a focus-group design involving discussions with elite-level athletes, coaches and sports dietitians. The participants were sixteen male and thirty female elite athletes from an Australian State Institute of Sport, representing diving, netball, basketball and lawn bowls; twelve elite coaches representing swimming, diving, soccer, sailing, cycling and golf; and sixteen sports dietitians who consulted to state institutes/academies of sport with various sports. Focus groups were audio-taped and transcribed with in-depth notes also recorded during the groups. Thematic coding of transcripts and notes were undertaken by the primary coder and these themes were subsequently evaluated by the research team. A number of barriers to healthy eating were described. Lack of time for food preparation was a significant barrier raised by all groups. Financial limitations, inadequate cooking skills and difficulty ...
86 citations
TL;DR: The open drills were generally more physically and cognitively demanding than the closed drills commonly used in Australian Football and coaches and conditioning staff should prescribe open drills to elicit higher physical and cognitive training loads in a game-specific context.
Abstract: This study compared the skill and physiological demands of open- and closed-skill drills commonly used in Australian football. Junior male players (n=30, age 16.7 ± 0.5 y, height 1.88 ± 0.07 m, mass 79.7 ± 6.5 kg; mean ± SD) completed two different training sessions involving a series of three open and closed training drills. Movement demands were quantified with global positioning system (GPS) technology, while physiological responses were assessed with heart rate, blood lactate concentration and self-reported ratings of physical exertion. Skill demands were quantified by video analysis and self-reported ratings of perceived cognitive complexity. Two of the three open drills were substantially more demanding in terms of distance (metres) covered (p < .05), rating of perceived physical exertion (p < .05), and relative intensity (p < .05). All open drills had significantly more moderate velocity efforts (p < .05) than their closed counterparts. There were no differences in post-session lactate concentratio...
82 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a series of continuing professional development seminars for professional golf coaches were presented in the form of stories and poems which were created in an effort to evoke and communicate the lived experiences of elite professional golfers.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how storied representations of research can be used as an effective pedagogical tool in coach education. During a series of continuing professional development seminars for professional golf coaches, we presented our research in the form of stories and poems which were created in an effort to evoke and communicate the lived experiences of elite professional golfers. Following these presentations, we obtained written responses to the stories from 53 experienced coaches who attended the seminars. Analysis of this data revealed three ways in which coaches responded to the stories: (i) questioning; (ii) summarising; and (iii) incorporating. We conclude that these responses illustrate the potential of storied forms of representation to enhance professional development through stimulating reflective practice and increasing understanding of holistic, person-centred approaches to coaching athletes in high-performance sport.
76 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluated the training effects of using accentuated eccentric load counter-movement jumps on lower-body power characteristics in high-performance volleyball players and concluded that training with additional load during the eccentric phase of a countermovement jump yields superior jump squat performance.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the training effects of using accentuated eccentric load counter-movement jumps on lower-body power characteristics in high-performance volleyball players. Sixteen volleyball players training full time with the state high-performance team participated in this 5 week training study. Prior to and at the completion of the study, jump squat testing with a lightweight (350 g) bar was conducted to determine kinetic and kinematic values for the lower body. Players were divided into either the accentuated eccentric load counter-movement jump group (AEJ) or normal (body-mass) counter-movement jump group (BMJ). The increases in displacement, velocity, and power values observed in the AEJ group were superior to those of the BMJ (p = 0.001-0.05, d = 1.06-1.97). The results of this study indicate that training with additional load during the eccentric phase of a counter-movement jump yields superior jump squat performance in comparison to typical counter-movement jump training...
67 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate how coaches frame their role and form their philosophy, and conclude that as coaches gain both knowledge and experience their ability to articulate a coherent philosophy and contextualize it for subsequent use in a more holistic coaching practice is enhanced.
Abstract: Philosophy underpins all aspects of coaching and by creating a formal philosophy coaches may improve their coaching effectiveness. The role that coaches fulfill is based on their experience, knowledge, values, opinions and beliefs, but how coaches frame their role and form their philosophy is still unclear. This study investigates these aspects by interviewing coaches at various stages of their coaching career. It concludes that as coaches gain both knowledge and experience their ability to articulate a coherent philosophy and, more importantly, contextualize it for subsequent use in a more holistic coaching practice is enhanced. As a key element of coach development, the inclusion of a coaching philosophy, values clarification, and consideration of the coach's responsibilities could improve their practice and better meet the needs of their charges.
TL;DR: The authors argue that women's progress through coaching is more comparable to a 'bottle neck' analogy whereby as women advance, most are excluded from positions of power through flawed pathways and few chances to coach.
Abstract: This paper engages with feminist cultural studies to illustrate how a cultural analysis of the coaching structure can contribute to our understanding of the underrepresentation of women in high performance coaching roles. Through the use of qualitative interviews with elite women coaches based in the UK, I highlight how the current coaching infrastructure and philosophies neglect women's potential and marginalise their position. My analysis of the interviews revealed that the participants report minimal or inappropriate coaching opportunities for women coaches. The participants were also provided little incentive, recognition or educational support to facilitate their development. Rather than a 'glass ceiling', I argue that women's progress through coaching is more comparable to a 'bottle neck' analogy whereby as women advance, most are excluded from positions of power through flawed pathways and few chances to coach. I conclude that the failures of the various UK sporting governing bodies to provide adeq...
TL;DR: In this article, 19 inexperienced coaches recounted their experience of using a video recording of a personal coaching practice, concentrating on: (a) the reflective process, (b) the use of video to assist this process, and (c) the practicalities of video reflection.
Abstract: The professionalization of sports coaching has led to a constant need to develop and improve coaching performance and behavior. As a result, reflective practice has become common place within coaching and relevant to the development of sports coaches. This study aims to develop on traditional reflective processes, by identifying how video can be used to assist the learning process of coaches. Nineteen inexperienced coaches recounted their experience of using a video recording of a personal coaching practice, concentrating on: (a) the reflective process, (b) the use of video to assist this process, and (c) the practicalities of video reflection. Content analysis suggests increases in cognitive understanding of the coaching process and improvement in coaching performance are experienced through this form of reflection. Initial results suggest that video reflection can help improve inexperienced sports coaches by highlighting strengths and weaknesses in performance that may be overlooked by traditional methods.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the preferred coaching leadership behaviours in prolonged periods of perceived success and failure in eighty-eight elite soccer players in Norway using the Leadership Scale for Sport (LSS).
Abstract: Multidimensional models of leadership in sport suggest that in order to maximize performance there should be congruence between the actual coaching behaviour and behaviours preferred by players. This study examined the preferred coaching leadership behaviours in prolonged periods of perceived success and failure in eighty-eight elite soccer players in Norway using the Leadership Scale for Sport (LSS). The three preferred behaviours were Positive Feedback, Training & Instruction, and Democratic Behaviour in both scenarios. All preferred behaviours (except Autocratic Behaviour) were higher in the unsuccessful scenario (p <.01). Negative relationships existed between age/experience and Social Support, Democratic Behaviours and Positive Feedback in the successful scenario and between age/experience and Social Support and Democratic Behaviours in the unsuccessful scenario (p <.05). The findings therefore have implications for adapting coaching leadership behaviours when players of different ages and with different levels of experience encounter prolonged periods of success or failure.
TL;DR: For example, this article examined college athletes' interest in and perceptions of the coaching profession and found that men were more likely than women to intend to enter coaching at the Division I and professional levels.
Abstract: In this study, we examined college athletes’ interest in and perceptions of
the coaching profession. A total of 201 U.S. Division I athletes (100 males,
101 females; 119 White, 81 minority, 1 race unknown) completed measures
of a) their intention of entering the coaching profession, b) reasons they
would want to enter the coaching profession, c) perceived barriers that
would prohibit them from considering the coaching profession, and d) their
perception of discrimination in the coaching profession. Results indicated
that men were more likely than women to intend to enter coaching at the
Division I and professional levels. Gender and racial differences were found
in reasons for entering the coaching profession and barriers that prohibit
athletes from entering the profession. Women were more likely than men
to agree that male and female coaches were treated differently, and
minority athletes were more likely than White athletes to agree that
coaches are treated differently in sport based on their race/ethnicity.
These results may partly explain the lack of women and minority coaches.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the relationship between selected physical tests and clubhead speed and whether body mass should be considered when presenting the test results, and found that body mass was positively associated with the results.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between selected physical tests and clubhead speed, and whether body mass should be considered when presenting the test results. Thirty ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors determined percentiles for performance indicators in British National Super League netball and found that the strength of the opponent affects teams in the top half of the league differently to teams in a bottom half.
Abstract: The use of norms allows performance indicator values to be related to the relevant population of performances. However, it is also necessary to relate performances to the quality of the opposition. The purpose of the current investigation was to determine percentiles for performance indicators in British National Super League netball. Percentiles were determined for different types of match based on the strengths of the teams involved. The strength of the opponent was found to effect teams in the top half of the league differently to teams in the bottom half of the league. Relating a team's performance to the relevant performance norms based on the strength of the opposition permits more effective interpretation of the performance indicators. This information can be used by coaches to identify facets of performance requiring attention and can support more effective decision making and use of video feedback.
TL;DR: The Pose® group's post-test time-trial (2400 m) was not significant yet they improved by a mean of 24.7 s compared with a 3 s decrease in the heel-toe group, and no significant changes pre-post test, were found.
Abstract: The aim was to investigate the affects of the Pose® method intervention on running technique, on economy and a time-trial runs. A 2 × 2 mixed factorial ANOVA assessed sixteen research variables where group (Heel-toe vs. Pose®) and trial (pre to post changes) was used. Significant interactions were explored using Tukey post hoc tests, which found significance (Pose® runners pre-post test) for stance time (p = 0.001), horizontal displacement of the centre of mass to support foot at 25 ms after impact (p = 0.042), centre of mass displacement during stance (p = 0.001), knee flexion angular velocity during stance (p = 0.005) and during swing to maximum knee flexion (p = 0.043) and stride frequency (p = 0.002). The Pose® group's post-test time-trial (2400 m) was not significant yet they improved by a mean of 24.7 s compared with a 3 s decrease in the heel-toe group. No significant changes pre-post test, were found for an economy run (2400 m) at 3.35 m/s.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors assessed approach shot accuracy in terms of the distance that shots into the green finished in relation to the pin, and found that the accuracy is correlated strongly with World Ranking and clear individual differences allowed specific strengths and weaknesses to be ascertained.
Abstract: Composite measures of golf performance, such as 'greens in regulation,' need to be improved upon as they cannot distinguish whether a player was good, bad or indifferent on each individual aspect of the performance, in this instance, driving and approach shots. Consequently, approach shot accuracy was assessed in terms of the distance that shots into the green finished in relation to the pin. Approach shot data (starting position, finishing position and lie) were collected from the PGA TourCast web site for 14 PGA Tour players, playing in randomly selected tournaments during 2006. Median approach shot errors (finishing distance as a percentage of starting distance) of 4.6% to 5.3% were found for fairway shots between 100 and 200 yards, rising to 6.2% to 9.6% for distances over 200 yards, suggesting some increased difficulty at longer distances. Errors tended to increase (5.2% to 6.5%) for fairway shots between 50 and 100 yards, thought to be due to the increased use of less-than-full swing shots at these distances. Shots from the rough increased the error by an average of 4.3%. It is suggested that approach shot accuracy is a viable performance indicator as it correlated strongly with World Ranking and clear individual differences allowed specific strengths and weaknesses to be ascertained. Future research should consider analysing shots from closer to the green.
TL;DR: The authors culls input from high-level and low-level performers and the developmental histories of elite athletes to identify differences between high level and low level performers or elite athletes' developmental histories.
Abstract: Research addressing elite athletes tends to either identify differences between high-level and low-level performers or the developmental histories of elite athletes. The current study culls input f...
TL;DR: Current evidence suggests that the authors cannot measure movement variability in field conditions reliably or objectively, which prevents us from being able to address satisfactorily the possible implications that movement variability might pose for practitioners.
Abstract: This overview paper presents results from the studies of the various research groups with which I have been involved over the last decade that clearly show the existence of movement variability. I then address the possible functionality of movement variability. The important issue, particularly for practitioners, of whether such variability can be assessed in the conditions that pertain in competition is a major focus of the paper Unfortunately, current evidence suggests that we cannot measure movement variability in field conditions reliably or objectively, which prevents us from being able to address satisfactorily the possible implications that movement variability might pose for practitioners. Our major tasks, as sports biomechanists wishing to produce results that allow us to address issues that are relevant to coaches, are to develop accurate markerless tracking systems and to explore other measures of reliability that are more robust to measurement errors
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined college coaches' perceptions of athletes by exploring the sources that coaches use to assess athlete achievement, including personality, performance, personal, cognitive, mistakes, and knowledge from others.
Abstract: Expectancy theorists contend that coaches utilize a variety of impression cues for information-gathering tasks. The purpose of this study was to examine college coaches' perceptions of athletes by exploring the sources that coaches use to assess athlete achievement. Eighteen NCAA Division I intercollegiate head coaches participated in semi-structured interviews. An inductive/deductive content analysis revealed the existence of six expectancy dimensions for coaches: personality, performance, personal, cognitive, mistakes, and knowledge from others. The most salient dimensions were personality and performance cues comprising 42% and 32% of the raw data quotes respectively. Team and individual sport coaches agreed that work ethic and motor skills were very important, whereas they differed on the importance of team qualities, mental strategy, and sport-specific skills. Future research directions include the creation of a quantitative assessment tool to access sources of expectancy information among college co...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors reviewed and summarized the biomechanical research literature comparing golfers of different skill levels and found that skilled players exhibit increased force production, efficiency and consistency relative to less skilled players.
Abstract: The purpose of this article was to review and summarize the biomechanical research literature comparing golfers of different skill levels. A golfer's skill will influence their success in being able to consistently and predictably hit the ball in the desired direction for the proper distance. By scientifically investigating the differences in swing technique between players of different abilities, golfers and golf educators should gain a better understanding of how to improve performance. Analyses of the kinetic forces, kinematic timing and sequence of the various body segments, as well as the muscle activity patterns that generate movements revealed that skilled players exhibit increased force production, efficiency and consistency relative to less skilled players. However, the variability in assorted measures even amongst skilled players, raises the question of whether there is only one ideal swing method for all individuals
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the attitudes of coaches towards athletes with ADHD and found that coaches with previous experience working with athletes with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder reported more positive attitudes and these coaches were most likely to have known a child had ADHD due to parental communication.
Abstract: While research has begun to explore athletes with physical disabilities, there is a marked void in the research literature surrounding athletes with 'invisible' disabilities such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Individuals with ADHD may exhibit restlessness, inattentiveness and excessive motor movement. Within the sport arena, these children may have difficulty following directions, remembering strategies, and staying on task. Coaches will likely respond with some type of corrective behavior, but these behaviors will be guided by their attitudes towards these athletes. Therefore the purpose of this study was to begin exploration into coaches' attitudes towards athletes with ADHD. Results found that coaches with previous experience working with athletes with ADHD reported more positive attitudes and these coaches were most likely to have known a child had ADHD due to parental communication. These findings underscore the need for improved coaching education to meet the needs of all child...
TL;DR: The Solomon Expectancy Sources Scale (SESS) as mentioned in this paper is a quantitative instrument designed to identify the primary criteria coaches utilize to assess athletic ability, including team player, physical ability, and maturity.
Abstract: The job of the intercollegiate coach is multidimensional. Inarguably, the single most important role is player development. While there is not one sure method to lead a team to victory, there are specific criteria that coaches use to assess athletic ability. To date, there is no systematic method for identifying or measuring these criteria. The purpose of this study was to create a quantitative instrument designed to identify the primary criteria coaches utilize to assess athletic ability. During three phases of data collection, 274 NCAA Division I intercollegiate coaches representing 18 sports completed various versions of the Solomon Expectancy Sources Scale (SESS). Factor analytic procedures were performed at each phase. Results identified 30 qualities, housed in four factors, which coaches use to evaluate athletes. The four factors are: Coachability, Team Player, Physical Ability, and Maturity. The utility of this scale is discussed in light of coach education and future research avenues.
TL;DR: The sport science initiatives of the Australian cycling team in preparation for the 2004 Athens Paralympic Games were documented in this paper. But the authors did not consider the impact of sport science on the performance of the cyclists.
Abstract: This research documents the sport science initiatives of the Australian Cycling team in preparation for the 2004 Athens Paralympic Games. The research was driven by the head coach of the cycling program with biomechanical and physiological measures made during competition and/or in a controlled laboratory for six Paralympic cyclists. Half the group modified their setup with seat height decreases within a range of 10-19 mm, the other half with seat height increases within a range or 3-12 mm. All riders required seat fore/aft positioning adjustments of up to 30 mm forward to centre the knee joint over the pedal spindle. The pelvic angle rotation changed by an average of 7 degrees positive tilt (range 5-14 degrees). Relatively simple adjustments to one individual's setup reduced the cyclist's frontal-surface height by 0.22 m, with no significant change in power output. The integration of sport science with a high-performance coaching program can enhance the athlete's performance and safety. The outcomes of t...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors highlight and consolidate the intuitive link between psychology and golf and provide an overview of mental skills which players, coaches and club professionals can use on a day-to-day basis to enhance performance in golf.
Abstract: It is commonly believed that psychology plays an important role in golf. The aims of this article are: i) to highlight and consolidate the intuitive link between psychology and golf; and ii) to provide an overview of mental skills which players, coaches and club professionals can use on a day-to-day basis to enhance performance in golf. Specifically, this article will focus on the mental skills of imagery, self-talk, relaxation and goal setting; and demonstrate how these mental skills can impact on concentration, anxiety, confidence and motivation.
TL;DR: In this article, the role of green reading in golf putting among highly skilled players is discussed. But the authors focus on distance variability in putting among high-level players, rather than on the green reading.
Abstract: Distance variability in golf putting among highly skilled players: the role of green reading
TL;DR: In this paper, sport science and coaching interaction that occurred with a national swimming team from the 2002 World Championships, 2004 Athens Paralympic Games, and the 2006 World Championships was documented.
Abstract: This research documents the sport science and coaching interaction that occurred with a national swimming team from the 2002 World Championships, 2004 Athens Paralympic Games, and the 2006 World Championships. The research was driven by the head coach of the swimming program, and biomechanical measures were made during competition and in national training camps to provide feedback to coach and athlete. By understanding the swimmers' race strategy, a 10 percent improvement in performance was attained. This was followed by an additional 2.6 percent improvement resulting in a new world record time. In addition, race-pattern comparisons were made between swimmers with visually impairment or total blindness at the Sydney 2000 Games. Surprisingly, there was no difference in the race strategy between these swimmers, highlighting that the ability to "see" the opposition swimmer and racing them may not be as important as employing a suitable race strategy. A key point of difference in the race analysis conducted w...
TL;DR: Rynne et al. as discussed by the authors proposed the notion of Communities of Practice (CoPs) as a way to describe and understand certain out-of-the-classroom learning opportunities.
Abstract: Steven B. RynneSchool of Human Movement Studies, The University of Queensland,Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia.Email: srynne@hms.uq.edu.auINTRODUCTIONSport is a unique social setting in which to examine the learning of various actors. Thediversity of sports, sporting levels, as well as the dominant sporting cultures and traditions,means that there is an undeniable need to explain and clarify the place and the potential ofany concept of learning. This is particularly so for a widely used (and often misused) conceptlike Communities of Practice (CoPs).The underlying reason that theories of situated learning have the potential to be so powerfulis because they foreground an aspect of learning the social - that had previously beenuncritically omitted in many discussions of learning. This is particularly relevant to coachdevelopment where learning from others, whether as athletes or developing coaches, has beenrepeatedly shown to be critical [1-5]. Indeed, as noted by Culver and Trudel, CoPs offer a wayin which we can describe and understand certain out-of-the-classroom learning opportunities.JOINT ENTERPRISE AND MUTUAL ENGAGEMENTCulver and Trudel remind us that CoPs are not simply groups of people who are gatheredwith the clear objective of learning (p. 3). Other conditions must be satisfied for anycollectivity to be considered a CoP. In particular, the aspects of joint enterprise and mutualengagement are of great significance to the sporting domain. Indeed, previous research [6, 7]has been able to identify examples of joint enterprise. A major difficulty, however, isachieving a quorum of coaches over an extended period to negotiate a shared joint enterprise.W ithout a sufficiently captivating joint enterprise, the relations may more closely resemblean informal knowledge network [8].Regarding mutual engagement, it is the development of sufficiently engaging and bindingrelations that are difficult to achieve in coaching settings where the barriers to meaningfulinteractions are many and varied. This may be reduced in settings where competition isdecreased (e.g., coaches within the same club, coaches across leagues, coaches acrossdifferent sports), but these interactions are not without problems either [9]. Geographicalconsiderations are also of significance in Australia where the numbers of coaches availablefor involvement in particular communities (i.e., of similar standing who have a better chanceof establishing mutual engagement around a joint enterprise) are reduced. Perhaps a futureaspect that might be emphasised and investigated is the role of technology in formingdistributed CoPs. This may also aid interaction between coaches in different leagues,countries or even sports.