Abstract
Though research in coaching and athlete development is well-established in some nations, these topics are under-researched in many countries. For both topics, some established theories and known best-practices in North America and Europe may be dependent upon cultural and social factors. The objective of this study was to explore Brazilian sport-settings, including facilities, athletes, and coaching. Ethnographic notes from four researchers were compiled after a 3-week International Study Abroad. Notes were coded and grounded analysis was conducted to organize data into thematic categories (Corbin & Strauss, 2008; Emerson, Fretz, & Shaw, 1995). Categories of results described the: Sport Structure and Clubs; Facilities and Athlete Support; Athletes; and Coaching Behaviours. The club structure provided coaches with salaries and ensured that they were highly trained and competent (rather than relying on volunteers). Clubs also provided opportunities for talented youth from the Favelas (slums) to train without cost. Facilities were often unsafe and did not provide current sport medicine support for athletes. However, athletes seemed highly motivated, mature/autonomous, very athletic, and demonstrated precise technique. Coaches were very positive and calm, yet energetic. Feedback was rarely provided during drills, but was blocked into longer narratives at the beginning and end of each drill. Coaches varied drills frequently, and went out of their way to individualize practices for each player. Coaches made sure that practices were intense; they focused on perfect technical execution; and were highly efficient/productive. Specialization in sports was common, though most athletes had early foundations in gymnastics and swimming.Acknowledgments: Thanks to Michael Huth for his assistance with this analysis, as well as to Jodie Smith, Nadine Dubina, and Luke Tolbert for their observations in Brazil.