Introduction Coaching has evolved dramatically over the past decade. We now understand that athlete performance is influenced not only by physical preparation but also by psychological ownership. Yet many coaches still default to overly directive approaches that leave athletes dependent, passive, and disengaged. One principle consistently highlighted in recent sports science research is athlete autonomy – the idea that athletes should feel a sense of control, choice, and res
Introduction Athlete centred coaching has become an increasingly influential framework within both sport pedagogy and educational theory. While the concept is often referenced, its deeper implications for performance, psychological development and learning design are frequently underexplored in coaching practice. Athlete centred coaching goes beyond reducing direct instruction. It represents a shift from traditional coach-led models toward environments that actively develop a
Introduction The landscape of sport coaching is evolving. Where once success was measured by technical expertise and tactical knowledge, today’s most effective coaches are increasingly defined by their ability to connect, communicate, and inspire. In an era marked by psychological awareness, individualisation, and player wellbeing, soft skills are emerging as the cornerstone of effective coaching practice. Research consistently highlights that coaching effectiveness extends
