THE COACHING CRAFT BLOG

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

Athlete Centred Coaching: A Pathway to Long-Term Success Understanding the Importance of Athlete Centred Coaching Athlete centred coaching has gained prominence in both sports and education. This approach emphasizes the athlete's experience and development. It goes beyond mere instruction. Instead, it fosters autonomy, decision-making, resilience, and reflective skills. In today's competitive environments, athletes face increasing cognitive and psychological demands. Long-ter

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