Things Ain’t What They Used to Be? Coaches Perceptions of Commitment in Developing Athletes

Abstract

The study sought to ascertain academy coaches’ perceptions regarding commitment in their developing athletes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 coaches, across a range of sporting environments, whom worked full time with elite youth performers. Inductive thematic analysis identified the following overarching themes: a) what do we want? b) what are they like? and c) what do we do? The study provides a valuable insight into the ideal commitment characteristics, the reality of the adolescent athlete, along with strategies coaches are employing. We hope the information can be used to tailor interventions and service provision accordingly with developing athletes.

Lay summary: This article explores academy coaches’ perceptions of commitment from their developing athletes. The study provides a valuable insight into the ideal commitment characteristics and the reality of the adolescent athlete, along with current strategies that coaches are employing within their practice from a cross-sport approach.