The learning process of a coach: Preferences of coaches in the United States

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the educational methods coaches in the United States use to obtain coaching knowledge (CK) and develop a coaching philosophy (CP). Thirteen methods in learning how to coach were identified from the coaching education literature and used to develop an online survey instrument to examine the methods coaches most frequently use in obtaining CK and developing a CP. The results indicated that coaches (n = 1,082) in the United States preferred informal educational methods in acquiring CK and developing a CP. Additionally, 71.4 % of coaches in the study utilized informal discussion with other coaches multiple times throughout the year to acquire CK compared to 54.2% of coaches seeking to develop CP.