Abstract
Coaches’ attempts to maintain an equilibrium between winning and developing athletes as people have often resulted in coaches’ internal role conflict. Coaching philosophies have the potential to guide coaches in simultaneously achieving performance and personal development objectives. Building upon recent work focused on developing coaching philosophies, this study aimed to advance the understanding of youth sport coaches’ processes of implementing their coaching philosophies. Thirteen youth sport coaches (n = 5 women, 8 men; aged 26-61 years) who identified having explicit coaching philosophies, engaged in two semi-structured interviews. Data were recorded, transcribed, and analysed drawing upon reflexive thematic analysis and constructivist grounded theory. Coaches outlined a process of consistent implementation, with explicit strategies including: (a) engaging in focused and progressive coaching, (b) developing a reflective culture, (c) delivering individualized and versatile coaching, and (d) being strategic in their development. Themes were synthesized into a conceptual framework, illustrating the nuanced and layered processes coaches followed when translating their statements into practice. In sum, implication: (a) was anchored by unwavering objectives, (b) was shaped by athletes’ needs, (c) involved a multifaceted decision-making process, (d) included deliberate strategies and behaviours, and (e) was an iterative evaluation process. Most coaches voiced the benefits their statement offered in ensuring consistency and accountability, and reported some navigating tensions and resistance. This conceptual framework could serve as a preliminary tool to guide coaches through the different stages of effectively implementing their philosophy.
