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Coaching under pressure: a study of Olympic coaches
Peter Olusoga1, Ian Maynard, Kate Hays
1Centre for Sport and Exercise Science, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK. p.olusoga@shu.ac.uk
Journal of Sports Sciences
|December 16, 2011
Summary
Elite coaches thrive in the high-pressure Olympic environment by mastering emotional control, strategic preparation, and team support. These factors are crucial for successful Olympic coaching performance and athlete development.
Area of Science:
- Sports Psychology
- Coaching Science
- Olympic Studies
Background:
- The Olympic Games present a uniquely stressful environment due to intense media scrutiny and competition.
- While athlete stress is studied, factors enabling successful Olympic coaching remain underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate elite coaches' perceptions of factors contributing to successful coaching in the stressful Olympic environment.
- To identify key attributes, preparation strategies, and coping mechanisms employed by Olympic coaches.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study involving interviews with eight elite coaches from a successful British Olympic team.
- Inductive content analysis was used to identify key themes and perceptions.
Main Results:
- Coaches identified psychological attributes (e.g., emotional control), thorough preparation (e.g., strategic planning), and in-event coping strategies (e.g., team support) as vital.
- Specific suggestions for coach development included enhancing coach interaction and simulating Olympic pressure.
Conclusions:
- Psychological resilience, strategic preparation, and effective team support are critical for Olympic coaching success.
- Findings inform coach education programs, emphasizing the need for training in managing pressure and fostering coach-athlete relationships.
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