A case study to examine the interaction and communication pathways between a high performance coach and his elite athletes in the sport of trampolining

Abstract

The purpose of this case study was to investigate the interaction between a High Performance Trampoline Coach and his elite athletes, in the preparation period for the British National Trampoline Championships 2007. Communication pathways were explored, focusing on the coach's content message and delivery, and the athlete's response to them. Through the use of Grounded Theory, the researcher was able to develop concepts and theories that accounted for the behaviours of both the coach and athletes. Using the Meta Model of Neurolinguistic programming, the researcher was able to focus on both verbal and non-verbal activity of the coach and athletes. Conducting video and interview analysis allowed the researcher to establish four key findings. (1) Effective communication is the foundation of coach-athlete relationships. (2) Coaching is a social encounter, not merely an information exchange. Pedagogical delivery methods must be established in order to impart knowledge effectively to the athletes. The 'how' of coaching must be the focus of good practice. (3) Neurolinguistic programming strategies endeavour to work with the athlete's 'model of the world', clarifying language and reducing deletions, distortions and generalisations of events. (4) Rapport is the key component of effective coach-athlete interaction and communication. Creating a comfortable and supportive atmosphere to form a constant and productive interaction between coach and athlete is paramount. The findings of this case study are specific to the sport of trampolining, and must be considered for the future development of successful coach-athlete relationships. The development of coach education programmes must also focus on the key findings of this study.