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In this episode I play with the notion of free will being an illusion in a fully deterministic world, and what this would mean for how coaches treat athletes and themselves.

My thoughts are based on neurobiological and cultural arguments presented in Robert Sapolsky's fascinating book 'Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will', which I recently read. I take the book's central themes and consider the overlap with my own research on influences on coach behaviour, to help it make sense for sport coaches. The jury is still out on the arguments for and against free will, but playing along in this episode can help unlock new learning about luck, empathy, and patience in sport. While still providing a pathway for changing your own or others' behaviour through leaning into our 'machine-ness'!

If you like this episode, I recommend these other episodes too:

Don't change coach behaviour, control it.

A salutogenic approach to talent development, with Andrew Kirkland.

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https://markjcarrollcoaching.wordpress.com/consultancy/

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In this episode I offer strategies for supporting players’ three basic psychological needs during each part of a matchday, from when they first arrive to pregame preparations to half time talks to side line behaviour in itself. Opportunities for heightened autonomy, competence, and relatedness are everywhere during competitions, as are restrictions if we’re not thinking proactively as coaches. So tune in to find out more.

If you like this episode, I recommend these other episodes too:

Managing athletes’ ego involvement in youth sport coaching

Ancelotti's half-time team talk coach, Eamon Devlin

Kevin Nicol - Providing structure within tactics

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https://markjcarrollcoaching.wordpress.com/consultancy/

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Welcome to the third installment of episodes zooming in on practical challenges associated with delivering coaching that asks questions of our capacity and desire to support athletes' sense of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. In this episode I discuss the trick topic of managing group size. Tune in to learn why we may act differently depending on how many athletes we're leading, coupled with our experience, confidence, man power, and underlying beliefs about priorities within our practice. You'll also receive potential solutions to mitigate these concerns.

My PhD thesis influenced this work:

STORRE: A qualitative multiple case study exploration of the antecedents of the interpersonal behaviours of youth football coaches in Scotland based on a self-determination theory framework

If you like this episode I recommend checking out these previous episodes too:

The time and place for athlete need support, and control

Managing athletes' ego involvement in youth sport coaching

Learn more about your host and access services and added resources:

https://markjcarrollcoaching.wordpress.com/consultancy/

Read my new THE Campus article!:

Why academics should adopt a podcaster’s mindset | THE Campus Learn, Share, Connect

Traditional coach education can often feel stale and predictable in its delivery, which limits its effectiveness. Research evidence from myself and others is making a case for coach educator to diversify their methods. In this episode I provide some creative devices to cultivate fresh intrigue and engagement, deepen reflection, and bring about individualised learning with coaches. Novel style short stories, poems, films, podcasts, and even stage plays are all discussed for their unique potential as learning tools for coaches.

Papers and materials discussed in this episode:

Roberts, S. J., Baker, M., Reeves, M. J., Jones, G., & Cronin, C. (2019). Lifting the veil of depression and alcoholism in sport coaching: how do we care for carers?. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 11(4), 510-526.

Douglas, K., & Carless, D. (2008). Using stories in coach education. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 3(1), 33-49.

'Where is the Line?' Film Exploring Duty to Care in Coaching - UK Coaching

If you like this episode I recommend checking out this one too:

The contemporary coach developer, with Timothy Jones

Learn more about your host and access services and addedresources:

https://markjcarrollcoaching.wordpress.com/consultancy/

Read my new article on podcasting for academics!:

https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/why-academics-should-adopt-podcasters-mindset

Ever feel like right now isn't the time for athlete input when coaching, or you don't have enough time to give it, or other outside conditions are just not right? Prefer to give autonomy during particular times in a practice session, or even blocks in a season? Are you conscious of the impact of weather on your coaching behaviour? In this episode I talk through the logistical and situational challenges of coaching delivery that combines with emotions and values to create behaviour. This conversation represents part 2 of the practical challenges theme kicked off last week, and offers both justification for more controlling - or at least less autonomy supportive - coaching behaviours, as well as challenges to supposed barriers to building a more motivationally adaptive environment for players.

My PhD thesis influenced this work:

STORRE: A qualitative multiple case study exploration of the antecedents of the interpersonal behaviours of youth football coaches in Scotland based on a self-determination theory framework

If you like this episode I recommend checking out these previous episodes too:Managing athletes' ego involvement in youth sport coaching

Coach-athlete relationship masterclass, with Sofia Jowett

The problem with coach observations

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https://markjcarrollcoaching.wordpress.com/consultancy/

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In the first of three episodes looking at practical dilemmas coaches face when 'doing the job of coaching', I discuss the place, role, and management of competition across training and matchday environments, specifically within youth sport from a self determination theory perspective. Beyond binary recommendations, however, the real world of coaching requires skill in managing the dosage of competition and all its interpersonal requirements to fully support athletes' psychological needs and longer-term quality of motivation.

My PhD thesis influenced this work:STORRE: A qualitative multiple case study exploration of the antecedents of the interpersonal behaviours of youth football coaches in Scotland based on a self-determination theory framework

If you like this episode I recommend checking out these previous episodes too:

Autonomy supportive coaching 101

Competence supportive coaching 101

Relatedness supportive coaching 101

Cesar Torres - A defence of competition in youth sports

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https://markjcarrollcoaching.wordpress.com/consultancy/

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Subscribe| Labours of Sport Coaching - The Self-Determined Coach

This week we're going back to one of the podcast's first, and most interesting conversations, with Professor Cesar Torres, a sport philosopher and historian from SUNY Brockport university in the USA. Cesar offers an alternative way of viewing and using competition when working with young sport participants, that contrasts with the popular villainisation of competition in youth sport circles.

Want to leave feedback or suggest a topic for a future episode? Get in touch: laboursofsportcoaching@mail.com

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Sign up to my FREE motivational psychology newsletter:Subscribe| Labours of Sport Coaching - The Self-Determined Coach

Community sport coaches are lacking structure on how to fulfil their roles, and there are consequences for how they behave and the motivations they develop for coaching. This issue affects coaches and their participants, and the problem reproduces as an effect of individual, team, club, NGB, and wider policy factors colliding. Tune into this episode to understand these interactions better and the implications for the coach-created motivation environment. I also offer solutions at these various levels to help cultivate a more supported, and thus supportive coaching culture in the community.

My PhD thesis influenced this work:STORRE: A qualitative multiple case study exploration of the antecedents of the interpersonal behaviours of youth football coaches in Scotland based on a self-determination theory framework

If you like this episode I suggest checking out this previous episode:

Being a parent-coach - Experiences and effects on behaviour

Learn more about your host and access services and added resources:

https://markjcarrollcoaching.wordpress.com/consultancy/