The coaching process in international football: a case study design

Abstract

In light of the recent recognition of the paucity of research based on the working behaviours of soccer coaches in the British Isles (Cushion and Jones, 2001), and in particular Wales. The purpose of this study was to address this issue by using a multimethod approach in collecting data within a case study design, and gain an in-depth understanding of the coaching practice of the Welsh Victory Shield Squad's technical advisor. The data collection process consisted of three main phases: an initial in-depth open-ended interview, observational analysis of the coach during a competitive week, and a follow up interview that was also in-depth and open-ended. A multi-method approach was used to triangulate findings and to gain a deeper insight into the 'coach's world'. The findings indicated that the coach's practices was heavily influenced by his own belief in a 'player-centred' approach to coaching, and the dynamics of the partnership between the Football Association of Wales Trust and the Welsh Schools Football Association, with inter and intra-role conflict evident. The research findings supported the suggestion that coaching is a complex, dynamic, activity that is dependant on the interpersonal relations between coach, performer and a range of significant others and the context within which it occurs.