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Coach behaviours and practice structures in youth soccer: implications for talent development
Chris Cushion1, Paul R Ford, A Mark Williams
1Sport and Exercise Science, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK. C.Cushion@lboro.ac.uk
Journal of Sports Sciences
|September 29, 2012
Summary
Coaching practices in youth soccer often differ from evidence-based recommendations in motor learning. This review explores the theory-practice gap in coaching behavior and suggests solutions for better talent development.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Coaching Science
- Talent Development
Background:
- Coaches significantly influence youth soccer player development, achievement, and well-being.
- Systematic observation of coach behavior and practice activities is common in research.
- A potential 'theory-practice' divide in coaching is a subject of contemporary discussion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review research on coach behavior in youth soccer.
- To examine the discrepancy between observed coaching practices and sports science research.
- To discuss reasons for this divide and propose recommendations.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of research on coach behavior and practice activities in youth soccer.
- Analysis of discrepancies between observed coaching and sports science principles (motor learning, skill acquisition).
Main Results:
- A notable gap exists between how coaches typically design practices/instruct and evidence-based recommendations.
- This discrepancy impacts effective talent development and player outcomes.
Conclusions:
- The theory-practice divide in youth soccer coaching requires attention.
- Recommendations are provided to bridge this gap in research, coach education, and coaching behaviors.
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