Coaching is defined as the organised provision of assistance to both individual athletes and groups of athletes, helping them develop and improve their performance (Kent 2007). Lyle (2003) states that a coaches practise is characterised by their philosophy. Wilcox and Trudel (1998) suggest a coaching philosophy is a set of values and behaviours that serve to guide the actions of a coach.
Many coaches and researchers such as Martens (1997) place great emphasis on the importance of a coaching philosophy, he states coaching philosophies are instrumental in how participants learn, progress and become successful in what they do, he goes on to suggest that a coaches philosophy is the main factor in determining whether or not a coach will become successful. This is reinforced by Cross who suggests that coaching philosophies are important in coaching effectiveness and that modern coaching requires that the athlete be a partner in the process.
Despite this, many people believe there are fundamental flaws in coaching philosophies, this essay will be looking at pressures that coaches face and how this may affect their ability to fully apply their philosophy in practise, looking at the difference between aspirational and functional philosophies, and weaknesses identified in…show more content… An example of this is changing the style of play they implement in an attempt to increase success at their club. In sports such as football, managers are judged on how well the team is doing in terms of league position more than any other factor. This was highlighted by Tony Pulis, who was widely criticised as manager of Stoke City, due to the direct style of play implemented. He was once criticised for ‘playing like a rugby team’ (Bayley, 2012) This style bought much success and allowed for a successful reign as manager, despite the pressure of winning compromising the style of