Assessing the Impact of Coaches’ Strategies on Football Athletes’ Performance (Teamwork, Consistency, and Psychological Readiness), in University of Calabar

This study assessed the impact of coaches’ strategies on football athletes’ performance at the University of Calabar, with a focus on three core dimensions: teamwork, consistency, and psychological readiness. The research employed a descriptive survey design and targeted male football athletes across university teams. A purposive sampling technique was used to select athletes. The study’s participants comprised of 145 respondents. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the selected sample. The data were analysed using simple linear analysis to determine the extent to which coaching strategies influenced athletes’ performance outcomes. Findings revealed that coaches’ emphasis on teamwork significantly enhanced players’ coordination and game effectiveness. Consistency in coaching approaches positively influenced athletes’ training discipline and skill retention, while psychological readiness strategies such as motivation, mental conditioning, and pre-match talks were critical in boosting athletes’ confidence and resilience. The study concluded that a well-rounded coaching strategy that integrates technical, tactical, and psychological elements is essential in promoting optimal football performance. It recommended that coaches at the University of Calabar and similar institutions adopt a holistic approach to athlete development to improve individual and team performance.