Investigating Games-Centred Pedagogies to Enhance Athlete Decision Making in Elite Coaching Contexts

The purpose of this investigation was to explore how elite coaches used a games-based approach to develop decision making in their performers. The aim of the study was to examine coaches’ beliefs surrounding game-based approaches, to explore the mechanisms coaches used to facilitate enhanced athlete decision making and to investigate the nature of athletes’ contribution to these mechanisms. Three multi-method case studies were employed comprising semi-structured interviews with the coaches, focus groups with the players and both structured and unstructured observations of multiple sessions. Through the data analysis process two major themes emerged that identified the specific approaches elite coaches were using to develop decision making within their performers i) questioning and group discussions; ii) game play and scenarios. The findings identified that elite coaches who are committed to games-based approaches use similar strategies to develop decision making but often in different ways with varying impact. All coaches attempted to encourage discussions from the performers through questions and developing group debate but there is a balance to establish between coach and performer input to ensure everyone is involved and the players feel the benefit, and value this approach. There was evidence of a lack of understanding from some performers of this approach so coaches must educate the players on their chosen approach to ensure success. Scenarios and small-sided game play were also utilised and used as vehicles for reflective group discussion; however, mediating factors such as time pressure may hinder the deployment of such techniques. Future research should explore more elite contexts to better understand support that both the players and coaches may need to develop this approach successfully and consistently.