Abstract
The purpose of the current study was to investigate soccer coaches’ use of psychological techniques for their own performance. In depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 elite coaches, from Portuguese premier league clubs, to examine and describe their use of imagery, goal-setting, self-talk and relaxation. Participants mentioned employing psychological techniques more in conjunction with competition than training. Self-talk and imagery tended to be cited more frequently than goal setting and relaxation. Furthermore, results of this study provided information about the content and functions of each psychological technique. Implications of the results are discussed and future research and practical recommendations are made.
Highlights
It is widely accepted that coaches recognize the importance of psychological preparation of their athletes and teams (Gould, Flett, & Bean, 2009; Leffingwell et al, 2005; Martin, 2005)
The inductive-deductive analysis exposed four general dimensions emerging from 161 raw data themes mentioned by the elite soccer coaches
The results of the current study showed that all of the participants employ some form of self-talk in their coaching roles
Summary
It is widely accepted that coaches recognize the importance of psychological preparation of their athletes and teams (Gould, Flett, & Bean, 2009; Leffingwell et al, 2005; Martin, 2005). Sometimes they forget to prepare themselves (Bloom, Durand-Bush, & Salmela, 1997). According to Bloom, Durand-Bush, and Salmela (1997), in the earlier stages of coaches’ careers, the primary concern is preparing athletes for competition As they gain experience they recognize the importance of spending as much time, if not more, preparing themselves. According to Thelwell, Weston, Greenlees, and Hutchings (2008a), the coach could well be labeled a performer, what is not known is the degree to which coaches uses PST to enable them to perform
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