Implementing reflective practice approaches with elite team athletes: parameters of success

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to exemplify the integration of reflective practice principles into coaching strategies as a means to facilitate performers engaging with their own development. Accordingly, the paper describes a two‐part reflective practice intervention used with elite hockey players. Engagement and empowerment were promoted through a structured system of one‐to one, player‐to‐coach communications. Common principles of play were evolved through team reflection accomplished through structured interaction at group and sub‐group level. In tandem, these approaches enabled a shared understanding of the situation together with an individual clarity on what each player needed to do. As a result, team identity was strengthened specifically in the performance context, enabling players to respond quickly to the high‐pressure but varied challenges inherent within international play. The paper concludes with some brief recommendations to coaches working with elite selective teams.

Keywords:

• reflective practice
• hockey
• decision making
• team sport