A study of coaching behaviour in soccer: examining the extent to which athlete empowerment is applied within coaching practice'

Abstract

With regard to empowerment, although there have been many generalist statements made regarding the benefits of a more athlete-centred approach to coaching, there hasn’t been an in-depth examination of its implementation (Jones & Standage, 2006). The aim of this study was to provide a critical analysis of the coaching methods employed by a top level soccer coach; with a particular spotlight on his use of athlete empowerment. It sought to add to the current literature examining empowerment in coaching; indicating the extent to which the approach was utilised within a high-level soccer academy environment, the methods of empowerment applied its recognition and understanding as an approach and wether or not it was applied deliberately or unintentionally. Observations and video analysis were used to gather detailed information from a top-level soccer coach, known throughout as 'Charlie', whilst data analysis occurred qualitatively through an in-depth process of coding and theorizing. The results revealed that empowerment played a major role within Charlie’s coaching practice, and was clearly recognised and understood through the effective use of various empowering methods, namely questioning. This showed an increased significance placed on an athlete centred approach. The information gathered regarding Charlie provides an adequate stepping stone for future researchers to undertake studies which can broaden the results and make more generalised statements regarding the role of empowerment within modern day soccer coaching.