Physical preparation in a talent development environment: exploration of Ladies Gaelic football coaches’ knowledge, practices, perceptions and challenges

Abstract

Background: In team sports, physical attributes including strength, speed, agility, power, and endurance are important performance markers. However, their development is often entrusted to sports coaches, who may not have the specialised knowledge to optimise player development and reduce injury risk. Aims: To explore the current knowledge, practices, perceptions, and challenges facing inter-county coaches regarding physical preparation within a talent development context. Methods: Fifty-nine inter-county coaches completed an online survey comprising seven sections: informed consent; demographics; education and qualifications; current strength and conditioning (S&C) practices; recovery and monitoring strategies; coaches’ perspectives on athletic development; and barriers and facilitators. Fixed-response questions were analysed using frequency analysis. Pearson's chi-square (χ2) tests determined if there was an association between the age grade coached and coaching experience, education, and qualifications. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to assess differences between age groups in current S&C practices. Content analysis was utilised to evaluate open-ended responses, revealing coaches’ current knowledge and beliefs about the benefits of implementing athletic development programmes at inter-county level. Results: No significant differences were found between age groups and years of inter-county coaching experience, NGB coaching or sport-related qualifications. Significant differences were identified between the age grades regarding the number of weekly gym sessions completed. Coaches identified several benefits of athletic development training to football performance. However, a significant cohort could not articulate these benefits. Conclusions: LGFA Coaches recognise the benefits of incorporating S&C practices for both performance and injury prevention. However, gaps in understanding, lack of expertise, and insufficient resources contribute to inconsistencies in practice.