Effective Communication between Male Coaches and Female Tennis Players
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Authors
Benko, Peter
Issue Date
2003
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
The present study explored factors important for effective communication between male coaches and female tennis players. The participants, three male coaches and three adolescent female tennis players, were interviewed about their experiences in the coach-player relationship. A theoretical framework utilizing a grounded theory methodology was developed to explain how 40 numerous factors influenced player's reactions to coaching. These factors were coach factors, player factors, and training session variables which influenced the selection of the session training process; short-term coach factors which modified instruction and feedback; relational environment which enhanced or impeded player reaction and receptivity, along with short-term player factors; all of which influenced the motivation and effort of the player. The female player participants stressed the importance of relational factors when working with a coach, not simply technical proficiency. They appreciated being able to talk about non-tennis or "life" issues with the coach, in a relationship that went "beyond the court". This factor seemed to be key to maintaining receptivity to the coaching. From the coaches' perspective gender played a mixed role in instruction, communication, and feedback. Coaches said that their feedback was more supportive with girls. They also expressed a general belief that working with females required "a little more effort". On the other hand, these coaches also said they use the same training approaches for either gender with high skill-level players. Further research is recommended to discover more about the issues of different gender coaches and players, how girls need to be coached, and whether coaching adolescent players does require a different approach than at other ages.