Coach Perspectives on Choking Under Pressure in Rugby Union
No Thumbnail Available
Authors
Winslade, Zane D.
Issue Date
2016
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Choking under pressure, coaching, rugby union, team choke
Alternative Title
Abstract
This study aimed to explore coach perceptions about choking under pressure in rugby union from a different perspective to what has been examined in previous research. Various studies have identified self-focus and distraction theories as the mechanism for performance decrements under pressure as identified in Hill, Hanton, Matthews, Fleming (2010a). A qualitative methodology, based on phenomenological methods, was used to examine the beliefs and experiences of seven provincial union representative rugby coaches from New Zealand. The study used semi-structured interviews and then thematic analysis to reveal a different insight into choking that uncovered how coaches understand aspects of performance under pressure. Coach beliefs surrounding choking under pressure and how a coach perceives pressure to affect a team performance as a whole was explored. The results revealed that rugby coaches had some similar beliefs to the current research surrounding choking antecedents, the effect on performance and how they could intervene to prevent choking. The study also revealed the amount of control coaches believed to have over the team's ability to perform in pressure situations, predominantly through the preparation and development of a team environment conducive to performing well in pressure situations. There are many coach-led environments in sport so coach perceptions of the phenomenon of choking have significant implications for coach education and future coach led interventions. A focus on the team as a whole and how coaches believe a team can be collectively affected by pressure offers a unique perspective and opens up the potential for the concept of a team choke to be explored further in academic research.