Recommendations for Effective Coaching Practices: A Case Study using the Multidimensional Model of Leadership as a Guiding Framework

Abstract

Universities, sport governing bodies, and industry associations have employed coach development programs to remedy gaps that coaches experience in their job preparation. The purpose of this article is to report on a single-participant case study that investigated the applicability of one popular theory used in coach development programs: the multidimensional model of leadership (MDML). A key tenet of MDML is that athletes will experience positive gains in their performance and performance satisfaction when coached in their preferred way. Research testing the MDML has produced a nearly universal list of athlete-preferred coaching behaviors (e.g., democratic coaching styles are highly valued). The present case study explored the extent such a list held true for one collegiate athlete during her playing days. A structured telephone interview was used. The participant’s responses were analyzed using discourse analysis. The results of the discourse analysis were synthesized with findings from the research literature used to compose the interview questions (i.e., a critical interpretive synthesis). Findings from the present study indicated there was general agreement between the research-generated list of athlete preferences and the participant’s own preferences as a collegiate athlete. Yet, findings of the investigation also revealed nuances in how situations (e.g., injuries, athlete empathy towards coaches) may influence/explain an athlete’s choice in coaching preference. Namely what is preferred, and preference order, is not static. This study provides coaches with a tangible example of how theory connects to athlete experiences. Key findings are discussed as an educational tool for coaching preparation, including their application to future coach development programs.