Implementing reflective practice approaches with elite team athletes: parameters of success

• Published in: Reflective practice Vol. 10; no. 3; pp. 353 - 363
• Main Authors: Richards, Pam, Mascarenhas, Duncan R.D., Collins, Dave
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Routledge 01.07.2009
• Subjects: decision making; hockey; reflective practice; team sport
• ISSN: 1462-3943; 1470-1103
• DOI: 10.1080/14623940903034721

The purpose of this paper is to exemplify the integration of reflective practice principles into coaching strategies as a means to facilitate performers engaging with their own development. Accordingly, the paper describes a two-part reflective practice intervention used with elite hockey players. Engagement and empowerment were promoted through a structured system of one-to one, player-to-coach communications. Common principles of play were evolved through team reflection accomplished through structured interaction at group and sub-group level. In tandem, these approaches enabled a shared understanding of the situation together with an individual clarity on what each player needed to do. As a result, team identity was strengthened specifically in the performance context, enabling players to respond quickly to the high-pressure but varied challenges inherent within international play. The paper concludes with some brief recommendations to coaches working with elite selective teams.