Institute of Sports Science

Coaching in Competitive Sport

Coaches are a key component of sports performance. Their coaching as well as the use of effective coaching methods has a major influence on both the athletic and personal development of athletes. Therefore, one focus of our research is coaching behaviour in competitive sport, which we examine in the light of sports scientific learning theories and from a motivational and socio-psychological perspective. The application-oriented transfer of the findings is put into practice, inter alia, with the conception and evaluation of training modules aiming at the further development of coaches.

The research questions dealt with look at

  • the behaviour of coaches as well as training and coaching methods for developing sports-specific skills (Topic 1) and
  • creating an optimal environment for development by building strong interpersonal relationships and showing motivational leadership (Topic 2)

Selected Publications

Promotion of sport-specific skills [Topic 1]

  • Bergmann, F., Wachsmuth, S., O’Connor, D., Larkin, P., Dugandzic, D., & Höner, O. (2024). Practice design and coaching to support learning in elite youth soccer players: Recommendations from international coaches, coach educators, and researchers. International Sport Coaching Journal. https://doi.org/10.1123/iscj.2023-0079
  • Bergmann, F., Braksiek, M. & Meier, C. (2022). The influence of different game formats on technical actions and playing time parameters – A study with U7 and U9 youth soccer players in a competitive context. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching. https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541211051654
  • Bergmann, F., Meier, C. & Braksiek, M. (2022). Involvement and performance of U9 soccer players in 7v7 and 5v5 matches during competition. German Journal of Exercise and Sport Research, 52, 125-134. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12662-021-00752-4
  • Bergmann, F., Gray, R., Wachsmuth, S. & Höner, O. (2021). Perceptual-motor and perceptual-cognitive skill acquisition in soccer: A systematic review on the influence of practice design and coaching behavior. Frontiers in Psychology, 12: 772201. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.772201
  • Bergmann, F., Gray, R., Wachsmuth, S., & Höner, O. (2020) The influence of practice design and coaching behavior on skill acquisition in soccer. A systematic review protocol (PRISMA-P). https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/85TJG  

 

Promoting interpersonal skills [Topic 2]

  • Davis, L., Wachsmuth, S., Jowett, S., Räisänen, P., Hajo, K., Nordberg, & Sommer, M. (2024). Exploring the Perceived Barriers of Effective Communication Within the Coach–Athlete Relationship: A Sample of Scandinavian Coaches and Athletes. International Sport Coaching Journal (published online ahead of print 2024). https://doi.org/10.1123/iscj.2024-0006
  • Wachsmuth, S., Weise, M., Jowett, S. & Höner, O. (2021). Die Trainer-Athlet-Beziehung: Grundstein zum Erfolg? Leistungssport, 51(1), 4-11.
  • Jowett, S., & Wachsmuth, S. (2020). Power in coach-athlete relationships. In R. Kerr, N. Barker-Ruchti, C. Stewart, & G. Kerr (Eds.) Women's Artistic Gymnastics: Socio-cultural Perspectives (pp. 121-142). Routledge: London
  • Raabe, J., Readdy, T., & Höner, O. (2020). Fulfillment of basic psychological needs: A qualitative investigation of strategies used by elite youth soccer coaches. German Journal of Exercise and Sport Research, 50, 229–240. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12662-019-00640-y
  • Wachsmuth, S., & Jowett, S. (2020). Conflict and communication in coach-athlete relationships. In D. Hackfort & R. Schinke (Eds.) The Routledge International Encyclopedia of Sport and Exercise Psychology: Volume 2: Applied and Practical Measures (chapter 14). Routledge: London.

PhDs

  • Bergmann, Fynn (in Bearb.). Empirische Analysen des Trainerhandelns und der Trainingsmethodik zur Förderung fußballspezifischer Handlungskompetenzen im Kontext der Talentförderung [Arbeitstitel].

Research overview