Positive Approach to Coaching

Question 1

What is positive youth development?

Answer 1

Optimal development enables youth to lead healthy, satisfying & productive lives
(Hamilton, 2004)
Physical, intellectual, psychological and social
Results in the 5C’s (competence, character, connection, confidence and caring (Lerner 2000)

Question 2

How do we create a climate for positive development?

Answer 2

Physical and Psychological safety
Appropriate structure
Supportive relationships
Opportunities to belong
Positive social norms
Support for efficacy
Opportunities for skill building
(Fraser-Thomas, 2007)

Question 3

What are the physical benefits of exercise?

Answer 3

Enhanced motor skills, aerobic fitness, strength and flexibikity
Healthier bones and muscles
Less fat gains
Lower risk of PA related conditions
(Fraser-Thomas, 2005)

Question 4

What are the psycho-behavioural benefits?

Answer 4

Enhanced learning and academic performance
Improved confidence etc
Reduced stress/depression
Lower risk of smoking
(Fraser-Thomas, 2005)

Question 5

What are the potential risks of youth sports?

Answer 5

Injury risk and eating disorders
Negative experiences result in low self-confidcne
Aggressive violent behaviour, sense of entitlement
(Fraser-Thomas, 2005)

Question 6

What factors enhance positive development?

Answer 6

1. The underlying philosophy of the sport programme
2. The attitudes and behaviours of key adult figures
   (Camire, 2011)

Question 7

What are the two types of programme structures and designs?

Answer 7

1. Developmental
2. Professional
   (Smith, Smoll, Cumming, 2007)

Question 8

What is the professional model?

Answer 8

Goal is athletic excellence

Early entry/specialisation

Question 9

What is the developmental model?

Answer 9

Educational pastime
Goals are participation and enjoyment
Emphasis on diversification
Striving to win

Question 10

What is the impact of choosing a professional model?

Answer 10

Youths report less enjoyment, greater stress, fear of failure, burnout, depression
(Fraser-Thomas, 2005; Cote, 2002)

Question 11

What were the findings of Smith, Smoll & Curtis’s study in 1978?

Answer 11

Observed 51 coaches across 202 games
Used CBAS coding to report 13 behaviours which were either supportive, instructive or punitive

… Found that players rated supportive, instructive coaches as more knowledgeable
Players perception of support and punishment predicted attitudes toward the sport and the coach

Question 12

What behaviours can you show to be a positive coach?

Answer 12

reinforce effort
Provide technical instruction
Encourage and correct players
Don't punish after a mistake
Dont correct in a hostile manner
Dont nag
(Smith, Smoll & Curtis, 1979)

Question 13

How can a parent influence the performance?

Answer 13

By putting excessive pressure and having a lack of support (Brustad, 2002)

Question 14

How can positive development be enhance?

Answer 14

Through coach training and competitive engineering