Canadian University Coaches´ Perceptions on the Importance of Effective Planning and Comunication Skills

Resumen

The purpose of this study was to investigate Canadian university coaches’ perceptions on how they prepared themselves, their athletes, and their support staff for continued success at National Championship tournaments. Interviews were conducted with five highly successful university team-sport coaches, who had combined to win nine coach-of-theyear awards and 19 National titles. Results of a thematic analysis revealed the importance of developing detailed seasonal plans of all aspects of training and competition – beginning with the first day of training camp and ending with the National Championship game. The coaches also highlighted the importance of communicating expectations and roles to athletes and support staff throughout the entire season, but especially leading up to the National Championship tournament. Findings from this study provide a rare glimpse into the knowledge and behaviors of expert coach-es, including what they do to prepare their university sport programs for continuous success.