Technology-enabled reflection enhances coaching behavior in youth tennis coaches

Sports coaches have an important role to play in the development of their participants. One way that coaches can do this effectively is to ensure their behavior is appropriate for the people they coach. Previous research has highlighted that coaches are unaware of their behavior and how this impacts their participants. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of technology on reflection in sports coaches and explore the influence of enhanced critical reflection on coaching behavior. The study was underpinned by theoretical frameworks on reflection. In this study, experienced and qualified tennis coaches (n=3) were video- and audio-recorded three times over nine weeks delivering sessions to youth participants (n=7). Coaches had their behavior coded using the Arizona State University Observation Inventory. After each session, coaches reflected on recordings and sent reflections to researchers. Follow-up interviews were conducted with each coach. The results showed increased self-awareness of behavior, increased quality of reflection, and enhanced coaching behavior. The study findings suggest that technology is effective in aiding reflection and coaching behavior in youth tennis coaches. From this, it is recommended that National Governing Bodies, clubs and coach developers use similar interventions to enhance the quality of coaching.