485-146 Sport Coaching: Theory and Practice

This subject integrates theoretical and practical knowledge in the study of sport coaching with a focus on team games and junior sport. Through reading, active participation in lectures, movement laboratories and practical experiences of coaching young players, students will examine the structure of sports organisation in Australia, current issues in junior sport, and the ways in which recent theoretical developments in sport coaching in Australia address these issues. Students will be exposed to these recent developments through the undertaking of a level 1 nationally-accredited coaching course in a major team sport and the practical experience of planning, training, organising, managing and coaching junior sport clinics in local club or school contexts. Students will examine learning theory as applied to coaching, and examine a range of coaching approaches and instructional styles with an emphasis on player-centred approaches that provide for the development of decision-making ability, tactical understanding and flexible skill execution. Students will also visit schools, junior clubs and elite-level sport institutions. Students will also be offered the option of taking part in a field trip to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in Canberra.

1. a hurdle requirement of passing a level 1 coaching course; 2. a 1500-word written evaluation of a coaching episode (40%); 3. a 2500-word final essay (60%).

Readings will be supplied.