High-level Coaches’ Perceptions of their Professional Knowledge, Skills, and Characteristics

Abstract

The purpose of this study was threefold: (a) to describe the different types of knowledge, skills, and individual characteristics of highlevel coaches from individual and team sports, as perceived by the coaches themselves; (b) to assess the similarities and differences between high-level individual and team coaches; and (c) to reflect on possible ways to improve the educational coaching programs for individual and team sports. Thirty-five high-level coaches from individual and team sports completed a questionnaire consisting of three parts: Knowledge, skills, and individual characteristics. Results revealed differences and similarities between team sport coaches (TSC) and individual sport coaches (ISC) in each of the three questionnaire components. It is recommended that coaches’ educational programs consider the research findings between ISCs and TSCs in their efforts to improve coaches’ knowledge and skills.