Effects of a learning game through understanding strategy on tactical skills and performance in team sports
Project summary Teaching and learning tactical skills in team sport is essential to improve performances (Grehaigne & Godbout, 2014). Player’s understanding of the game is a good indication of the learning of these skills (Memmert & Perl, 2005). Unfortunately, many coaches seem to use traditional approaches mainly focused on teaching technical skills and flow…
Moral values identity moderates relationship between sport supplement use and doping
Research suggests that sport supplement users are more likely to use prohibited substances to improve performance than non-users. But, a recent study showed that an athlete’s personal morality plays an important role in an athlete’s decision to dope, even if they are a supplement user.
Parenting styles and practices: Promoting exemplary parenting in youth sport
Project summary Our research question was: How do exemplary youth sport parents support their daughters in competitive team sport? To answer this question, we interviewed 8 coaches and asked them to discuss the best parents they had ever worked with. These coaches then nominated 10 parents of female youth sport athletes, who they considered to…
Using motor learning concepts to enhance athlete skill development
Motor learning is the process of acquiring and refining skills, such as movements or strategies, through practice and experience. It is an important concept in sport because it helps coaches create effective training programs to help athletes improve performance. Coaches can use motor learning principles to: Provide effective feedback Design efficient practice plans by using…
Holistic ecological approach to athlete development
A holistic ecological approach (HEA) to athlete development focuses on thinking beyond solely the confines of a training session, and instead taking into account all the settings, relationships and networks of an athlete’s life. Coaches seeking to implement HEA can try taking into account other stressors in athlete lives (for example, exam schedules), manage training…
Microbiota and athletic performance
Trillions of microorganisms, known as microbiota, live inside our digestive tract and regulate key aspects of health and disease. Recently, a connection between the gut microbiota and physical activity has been discovered. Research now shows that these microorganisms may be leveraged to enhance athlete performance, in particular endurance.
How to harness the power of team cohesion in sport
In sport, we often hear athletes and coaches talking about how “united” their team is and the great “chemistry” that they have. Broadly, these terms reflect the concept of cohesion. Cohesion is frequently described as the glue that holds a team together, and as a result, produces positive outcomes for individual athletes (for example, increased…
Cultivating a mastery climate in youth sport
A mastery motivational climate is one in which the success of an athlete is determined by their own perception of skill development and satisfaction. An ego motivational climate emphasizes winning, with success being defined by who is the best. The benefits of a mastery as opposed to ego climate in youth sport include: decreased feelings…
Mental health in sport
For women and girls, sport participation can come with specific mental health challenges. These can range from perfectionism and body image to performance pressures. When coaches and leaders see each athlete as a person first, they can better support athletes’ health and mental well-being and foster a culture of holistic wellness in sport.
Efficacy of napping on sport performance
A systematic review and meta-analysis of available research determined that a 30-60 minute afternoon nap has a beneficial impact on physical performance. An afternoon nap also promotes improved cognitive performance and reduces perceived fatigue after sport activity.