APPLIED COACHING RESEARCH JOURNAL 2020 , Vol . 6
Concluding thoughts Canoe Slalom Challenge Cards were created to offer an accessible insight into how a non-linear pedagogy may be applied within canoe slalom . The pilot study research found that they showed potential to have a positive impact upon coaching in canoe slalom . From the interviews , participants were supportive of their value across all levels of the athlete development pathway . Their learning through experience was not simply “ spending time in the field ” ( Gilbert and Trudel , 2006 , p . 111 ) but their ability to make sense of those experiences as illustrated in the findings .
Whilst many coaches reported having employed similar coaching interventions in the past , they found that the cards provoked wider discussion , more positive feedback and greater engagement . The engagement came from a sense of ‘ curiosity ’ around the challenges , with athletes driving the learning process both as individuals and groups .
Additionally , it was found that if this resource was to be introduced with maximum impact , as C1 states “( then ) they are not to be used on their own in isolation as a session , they are to be used in addition to your coaching practice ” to augment learning . Therefore , it can be deemed that whilst the pilot study identified evidence of a positive impact of the use of CSCC , it should be recognised that they are an additional coaching resource to be used alongside existing practices .
With a short-term study , it was not possible to measure impact upon performance . Therefore , whilst it is difficult to quantify overall impact upon coach and athlete development , initial findings from the pilot study indicate the potential the Canoe Slalom Challenge Cards have to ‘ add value ’ within the practice setting .
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Contact Richard Cheetham – Richard . cheetham @ winchester . ac . uk
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