%0 Journal Article
%T Comparing and Contrasting the Perceptions of Strength and Conditioning Coaches towards Within-Role Decision-Making Processes
%A Paul William Downes
%A Dave Collins
%J Advances in Physical Education
%P 283-306
%@ 2164-0408
%D 2022
%I Scientific Research Publishing
%R 10.4236/ape.2022.123022
%X Building from recent studies on cognitive and meta-cognitive skills in experienced and early career Strength and Conditioning Coaches (SCCs), the current study employed a focus group methodology to compare and contrast these earlier findings. Focus groups (</span><i style=\"font-family:&quot;white-space:normal;\">n</i><span style=\"font-family:&quot;white-space:normal;\">&nbsp;= 8), reflecting the opinions of 29 participants, were conducted with purposefully recruited international groups of experienced high-performance SCCs. Participants considered two previously developed models, reflected on the associated themes, and these were then defined or combined. Within this process, the data also yielded new themes. Reflexive thematic analysis generated five themes surrounding the decision-making process of SCCs and the design of training programs: input from environmental lead, observe the athlete(s) with the head coach, connect with the athlete(s), integrate with others and consider logistics. Moreover, context, collaboration and communication were identified as providing depth and breadth to the perceived impact possible at each stage. With consideration of&nbsp;</span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;white-space:normal;\">managing difficult situations within Strength and Conditioning domains, three&nbsp;</span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;white-space:normal;\">themes were generated as being most impactful on SSCs¡¯ decision-making:</span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;white-space:normal;\">situational awareness, improvisation and metacognition. We discuss the fit of these results with earlier studies, together with the implications for training and accreditation of SCCs.
%K Context
%K Situational Awareness
%K Metacognition
%K Improvisation
%K Decision-Making
%K Coach Development
%K Learning
%U http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=119019