Examining the practice activities of senior football coaches

The present study examined the practice structure and surrounding beliefs of senior football coaches in the UK. 10 coaches participated in semi-structured interviews lasting an average of 44.9 minutes. All coaches had experience coaching senior level football and held the FA Level 2 qualification or higher. Findings suggested coaches predominantly favoured active decision-making practice, with non-active decision-making practice less used, yet still valued. Several practical and social factors were also discussed with regard to coaches practice, these included changes through the season, goals, immediacy of competition, influences and the culture in football. The findings here represent the first study of senior football coaches’ practice structure in the UK and provides a foundation for future research with this important demographic.