A comparative analysis of the coaching skills required by coaches operating in different non-competitive paddlesport settings

Abstract

This paper examines self-reported behaviours of a group of paddlesport coaches (n= 17). The views of a sample of coaches specialising in non-competitive paddlesports from professional, club and educational contexts are examined, utilising a thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews. The three groups are shown to share common aspects such as the importance of interpersonal skills within their coaching, the development of their coaching skillset via experiential learning and effective reflection and the importance of effective judgment and decision making. However, the groups differ in how they view their coaching role, the role of personal performance skills within their coaching and the impact of formal coach education in their development. The implication for coach education is that coaches working in an educational setting may be better served by a coach educational process that focuses more specifically on their skillset requirements and less on performance development.