This module introduces the conceptual frameworks that underpin effective sports coaching practice. The module provides students with the knowledge and skills to develop fundamental skills for coaching practice with the ability to provide a successful learning environment for individual athletes and in team sport. This module will provide students with the opportunity to develop their coaching practice in their own specific domain. An important component of this module will be the student's ability to identify the core themes, styles and principles of play in their sport to develop their game model with a focus on season planning and tactical periodisation. Through their own 'coaching-based' context, students will apply theoretical and practical knowledge to design and deliver effective sessions to optimise athletes' learning. Knowledge of the coaching process and the ability to work within a multidisciplinary team to maximise athletes' performance while understanding individual growth and development is also explored in this module.

1. Develop a competent understanding of the principles of sports coaching and the role of the coach throughout the coaching process by linking theory and practice
2. Design a sport-specific game model or coaching curriculum to support season tactical / technical periodisation
3. Demonstrate the key components necessary to plan and design effective practice environments based on game models, styles and principles of play
4. Identify appropriate coaching strategies to optimise athlete learning through activity design and sequencing
5. Interpret the role of a coach within a multidisciplinary team and how to apply best practice for individual growth and development

The aim of this module is to provide an understanding of the different coaching styles and key behaviours required in a coaching environment that have an effective impact on athlete development and learning. The module will explore the cognitive demands that coaches face in their practice and develop solutions on how best to make decisions on these demands and challenges to help their athletes perform and grow in their sport. The expert coach will be investigated to develop an understanding on not only 'what' the best coaches do but 'why' they do it. An important aspect of the module will be centred around coaching feedback and questioning and how coaches deliver their messages and interact with their athletes to ensure learning is happening. The use of video analysis and how this has developed and utilised in modern coaching to impact athlete learning will also be in focus.

1. Demonstrate a deeper understanding of different coaching styles while exploring some methods of learning theory that align to maximise athlete learning and impact their performance
2. Develop the practical competencies and behavioural skills required to meet the high cognitive demands of coaching through problem solving and decision making
3. Analyse and critically review the expert coach with investigation into high level coaches across different sports and domain specific to gain understanding of what the best coaches do but more importantly, why they do it
4. Acquire the skill set to effectively deliver feedback to athletes in context specific environments while also utilising video analysis effectively to support the feedback process to impact performance
5. Establish strategies to successfully create a team culture and build character in athletes through all aspects of coaching while creating a positive learning environment

This module is designed for students to improve their own coaching effectiveness through examining the origins and underpinning philosophy of reflective practice. An overview of critical skills and the importance of self awareness and understanding self will be explored to improve individual coach development and practice. Developing effective reflective processes will allow coaches to use experiences to have a positive impact on their coaching knowledge and practical skills. An overview of tools and skills for practical reflective practice will be provided to support this development and allow for students to carefully assess and refine their own coaching based on the learning.

1. Appreciate and develop frameworks underpinning coaching philosophy to enable students to identify and develop their own coaching philosophy through self awareness
2. Critically reflect on coaching styles, beliefs and effective practices in coaching against their own practice
3. Analyse and critically review a range of approaches and techniques to facilitate reflective practice within sports coaching and apply preferred ways to reflect on one’s own practice for personal development
4. Engage in a shared reflective process with other students by sharing and listening to coaching experiences and reflections
5. Demonstrate ability to engage in reflective practice on a continuous basis and be able to identify and express professional self development needs that can impact on their own coaching practice