American Press: Applied Research in Coaching and Athletics Annual #23 (2008)

ARCAA Contents & Abstracts Volume 23, 2008

ISBN 978-0-89641-458-7

The Knowledge Acquisition of a Successful Wheelchair Basketball Coach — Brent Hardin, Stephanie Lynn Wheeler, Jung Ii Oh — The purpose of this study was to extend the previous research on teaching and coaching by documenting how a successful wheelchair basketball coach acquired knowledge and built expertise in coaching wheelchair basketball. Two researchers spent an entire season with a successful coach documenting his coaching techniques, practice and game planning, general coaching philosophy, and how he acquired the knowledge to become a successful wheelchair basketball coach. Researchers completed field observations at 12 practices and 10 games, and completed four interviews that included a general interview, stimulated recall interview, and a Q-Sort interview. The interview data and field notes were analyzed to determine the existence of reliable themes and categories. The findings for this study provide an overview of the selected coach’s general coaching characteristics and provide a glimpse into what he perceives as the most important knowledge sources for someone gaining expertise in coaching wheelchair basketball. (1-23)

Psychological Preparations in Basketball: A Phase-Specific Approach — Ronnie Lidor, Boris Blumenstein — The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how psychological preparation can be combined with other preparations, namely the physical, technical, and tactical preparations, in the three phases of elite sport training programs—preparation, competition, and transition. More specifically, we discuss the interrelationship between the psychological preparation and the other three components of preparation during each phase of an elite basketball training program. The article provides specific examples of how psychological intervention can be used in individual and team consultation sessions throughout the entire year. Emphasis is made on the psychological techniques used with basketball players in the competition phase. (24-42)

Effectiveness of Basketball Coaching Methods and Player Qualities—A National Survey of Coaches — William F. Stier, Jr., Robert C. Schneider — A national survey of all (N=377) men’s NCAA Division III basketball coaches was conducted in order to determine the effectiveness of (a) coaching styles (methods), (b) instructional strategies, (c) coach/player relations (types of coaching behavior), and (d) desirable qualities of athletes. A comparison of the results was made with the findings of a similar study (Stier & Schneider, Applied Research in Coaching and Athletics Annual 2007) which surveyed all men’s NCAA Division I basketball coaches. Similarities and differences between Division I and III coaches are presented. (43-67)

The Relationship among Measures of Upper-body Power in Division II Women Softball Players — Kevin McCurdy, George Langford, Thomas Macera, Larry Wiley, Stacey Walters, Trevor Lydic — The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship among 3 measures of upper-body power. A second purpose was to determine the reliability of a push-up test (PU) for upper-body power. Seventeen Division II women softball players (mean weight 73.99 ± 17.33 kg and height 166.67 ± 6.23 cm) who were apparently healthy and had no previous upper extremity injury completed the study. From a 45º angle push-up position with hands on a contact timing mat (Kinematic Measurement System, Fitness Technology, Skye, Australia) the subjects completed a push-up to propel the body a maximum height off the mat while pivoting on the toes. Height off the mat (determined by flight time) and body mass were used to predict average power produced (Harman et al. equation for average power = 21.2 x height cm + 23 x body mass -1393). Retest measures were taken 1 week after baseline testing. Seated chest press (CP) average power was measured on the Biodex System 3 with concentric contractions at 180º/s. The seated medicine-ball throw (MB) was also used to measure power output. The intra-class correlation coefficient for the test-retest reliability estimates on push-up power scores was very high (r = .97, N = 16, p < .001) while no significant difference improvement occurred between the test (M = 488.49 W, SD = 396.97) and retest (M = 477.52 W, SD = 400.55). Pearson correlation coefficients for Power Index measures were moderately similar among the 3 tests (0.63 ≤ r ≤ 0.68). These correlations indicate that these tests measure a moderate portion of similar abilities that determine upper-body power performance. (68-83)

Multi-rater Perceptions of the Achievement of Sportsmanship Initiatives by High School Baseball and Softball Coaches — Simon M. Pack, Doyeon Won, Donna L. Pastore — The objective of the current study was to evaluate high school coaches’ sportsmanship in interscholastic athletics using a multi-rater, behavioral approach. More specifically, this study set out to (a) provide in-depth feedback as to coaches’ performance concerning sportsmanship, (b) uncover potential gaps among the perceptual differences of coaches, athletic directors, and principals concerning sportsmanship, and (c) evaluate the effectiveness of a high school athletic association’s code of conduct geared toward achieving sportsmanship initiatives for coaches. The assessment of coaches’ sportsmanship concerned the promotion and achievement of specific sportsmanship behaviors as outlined by their athletic association. A total of 208 respondents from schools belonging to one high school athletic association were included in the study. Of the 208 respondents, there were 86 baseball and softball coaches, 68 athletic directors, and 54 high school principals. The results of the study revealed that all rater groups (including coaches) reported that coaches are performing up to expectations in promoting a positive environment for sportsmanship. In addition, the study also found gaps, or discrepancies, in the performance appraisals among the three rater groups. This and other implications of this study will be further discussed in this paper. (84-100)

Circuit Training Model for Golf Instruction — Joseph DeBella, Teresa DeBella — The golf swing is a complex skill. By dividing each phase into several elements, educators/coaches will find the process of correcting performance errors and giving feedback to the students/athletes more effective than trying to analyze the whole swing at one time. The purpose of this article is to provide a method to introduce the fundamentals of the golf swing and provide supplementary drills in a safe, easy, structured way using a circuit training model. This method is introduced to students as a way to present “cues” or “swing thoughts” to help them remember the fundamentals of the golf swing. The method is also used by golf team members as a way to review and reinforce a good pre-practice routine. (111-122)

The Effect of Approach Velocity on Distance in Collegiate Football Kickoffs — Steven R. Snowden — The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of approach velocity on distance in collegiate football kickoffs. A total of 157 kicks from 16 Division II college kickers were analyzed with a Peak Performance Analysis system. Pearson’s correlation was performed on the variables of approach velocity of the kicker and distance of the kickoff using SPSS software for the group. It was found that there was no significant effect of approach velocity on distance in kickoffs. In fact, the correlation coefficient approached zero. This study suggests that each kicker should approach the ball at a comfortable velocity that allows for the most stable base to deliver a blow to the ball. (123-129)

Youth Sports Coaches Do Not Have Adequate Knowledge Regarding First-Aid and Injury Prevention — Tamara C. Valovich McLeod, J. Wesley McGaugh, M. Larnie Boquiren, R. Curtis Bay — The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge of youth sports coaches concerning first-aid and injury prevention. A three-part survey was used to assess knowledge and decision-making. A total of 156 youth coaches with 6.10 4.41 years of coaching experience (range 1-31 years) participated in the study. Only 5 of the 156 coaches passed the First Aid Assessment. Previous coaching education had no effect on FAA score, however coaches with current CPR or first aid certification scored significantly higher compared to those without certification (p<.05). Based on these findings, youth sports organizations should mandate CPR and first-aid certification for all coaches since current coaching education programs seem to lack content focusing on safety and injury prevention. New curricula with an emphasis on first-aid and safety should be created and implemented to ensure a safe athletic environment for young athletes.

Do Athletes Have an Advantage in Initial Salary Recommendations? A Role Congruity Theory Examine Initial Salary Recommendations — Heidi Grappendorf, Laura J. Burton, Angela C. Henderson — Despite the gains women have made in the business world, their salaries still lag behind those of men. The role congruity theory (RCT) was used to examine whether or not male and female athletes receive higher initial salary offers because participation in sports gives them an “edge” over nonathletes. Results indicate that male athletes do have an advantage over female athletes and female and male nonathletes; female athletes received the lowest salary recommendation. In addition, male evaluators recommended higher salaries to male athletes when compared to female athletes. (147-174)

The Influence of Race on Barriers to Physical Activity — George B. Cunningham — The purpose of this study was to examine the degree to which race moderated the relationship between two barriers to exercise (lack of facilities and lack of equipment) and future intentions to exercise. Data were collected from 175 students participating in physical activity classes at a large university in the United States. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that, after controlling for affective reactions to the physical activity, barriers negatively influenced exercise intentions. Subsequent moderated regression analyses demonstrated that these effects were moderated by race. Simple slope analysis showed that when barriers were low, racial minorities and Whites did not differ in their exercise intentions; however, when barriers were high, racial minorities were less likely to exercise than were Whites. Results are discussed in terms of their theoretical and practical implications. (175-193)

Attributes and Competencies Sought in Physical Education Teachers/Coaches—A National Survey of Secondary School Principals — Robert C. Schneider, William F. Stier, Jr. No Abstract. (194-212)

The Contribution of Cause: The Role of Charity in Attachment to Sport Events — Kevin Filo — Participatory sport events aligned with a charitable cause have emerged as popular activities among sport enthusiasts and consumers. Using the Psychological Continuum Model (PCM) as its theoretical framework, this paper examines the contribution of motives to attachment to a charity-based sport event. In making this examination, the author looks to determine if four motives for charitable giving make a greater contribution to attachment to the sport event than four recreation motives. An online questionnaire was given to registrants in the 2006 Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) LIVESTRONG Challenge (N=186) prior to the event to measure eight motives (intellectual, social, escape, competency, reciprocity, self-esteem, desire to improve the charity, and need to help others) as well as attachment to the event. Multiple regression analysis revealed that reciprocity, need to help others, and desire to improve the charity make a more significant contribution to attachment to the event. This suggests that the motives for charitable giving take on greater meaning and facilitate attachment. The author recommends sport event managers work to leverage these motives throughout event marketing communication, the registration process, and follow-up communication with participants. (213-236)

Women and Weight Training: Education and Demonstration Make a Difference — Jaclyn N. Haines, Abigail M. Thrine, Peter Titlebaum, Corinne M. Daprano — The University of Dayton Department of Campus Recreation conducted a study to determine why women were not using the weight room. A survey was designed to investigate the reasons why women did not use the weight room in greater numbers. In addition, during a two-week period at the start of every hour, staff members counted the number of women and men using the free weight and selectorized machines in the weight room. The survey results showed women did not utilize the weight room because they were intimidated by the amount of people, specifically men in the room and because they lacked knowledge concerning the benefits and myths of weight training. In order to encourage more women to use the weight room an educational class teaching the benefits, myths, and tips of weight training was created. After completing the educational program, survey responses by the female participants indicated that the intimidation factor was drastically reduced.(237-254)

COACHES' CORNER

Critical Features of Selected Track and Field Events: A Prototypical Analysis Using DartfishTM Software — Dave Nielsen, Jerry Lyons — The Big Sky Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championship Video Project (Project) was a collaboration of effort by the Idaho State University (ISU) Department of Sport Sciences and Physical Education and the ISU Track and Field program to video tape the Conference Championship, collect data from the video tape, study and analyze the data, and disseminate the video and related information to all interested parties. The Big Sky Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championship was held on the ISU campus May 9-12, 2007 and served as the laboratory for data collection involving every track and field event contested and the performances of each athlete competing (when possible). The purposes of the Project were to (a) provide athletes and coaches of the Big Sky Conference information in the form of video and hard data which may have potential for use with regard to technical adjustments for the enhancement of athletic performance, (b) provide students of the ISU Department of Sport Science with practical laboratory experience, experience with the logistics of data collection, proficiency in the use of video science software (Dartfish™), experience in a process of data analysis, and participation in the dissemination of collected materials, (c) bridge collegiate athletic and academic involvement in the project, and (d) the Project will offer a sample template with regard to methodology. The purpose of this writing is to share the findings relative to the running events and to offer suggestions regarding the methodology. (255-277)

An Interview with John Gagliardi — Noah B. Gentner, Craig A. Wrisberg, Joe Whitney — In his 53 years as head football coach at St. John’s (MN), University John Gagliardi has recorded more wins than any college football coach in history. Beginning his coaching career as a 16 year-old high school student Gagliardi has developed several unique coaching methods throughout his years as a head coach. His practices are relatively short and conducted without full pads, weightlifting is voluntary, and film sessions focus predominantly on successful plays (Klein, 1992). The purpose of this project was to interview Coach Gagliardi in order to obtain more detailed information about his unique coaching methods and perspectives. Of particular importance are his views on: (a) coaching style, (b) selection of athletes, (c) goal-setting, (d) positive focus, and (e) avoiding injury and burnout. Discussion of the interview results centers on the relationship of Gagliardi’s perspectives to the existing sport psychology literature. (278-309)

BOOK REVIEWS

The Career Playbook: Your Ticket to Success, Reviewed by Spencer Stanton (310-313)

Teaching with Movies: Recreation, Sports, Tourism and Physical Education, Reviewed by Warren K. Simpson (313-317)

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