Coaching the beautiful game

An actor-network theory study of sport coaching

Bibliographic Data

ID21458752
AuthorsJordan Maclean (0000-0002-4267-0518, University of Stirling, corresponding author)
Year2021
Volume43
Issue3
Pages328-342
Publication date2021-09-02
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueStudies in Continuing Education (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0158-037X • E-ISSN: 1470-126X
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/0158037x.2021.1900095
OpenAlexW3150377705
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited53

Sport coaches continue to coach without reference to a conceptualisation of coaching. Indeed, coaching research has been caught in a chasm between process and practice conceptualisations, further widening the application of theory to practice. And coaches are often the protagonists in both of these accounts. Yet, as we will see, this is controversial for several reasons. Inspired by actor-network theory and the theory of the quasi-object (Serres, M. [1980] 2007. The Parasite. Minneapolis: Minnesota University Press), I go to the local, material, mundane sites where coaching is practiced and follow the ball (the 12th player!) in action. Three anecdotes are described: moving from the game towards a field of practice, to be seduced, and or not to be seduced. This article presents an innovative way of observing the coaching process that brings about new insights for how coaching is conceived, understood and practiced. I conclude with some implications of articulating the sociomaterialities for coaching education

Actor–network theory · Coaching · Pedagogy · Psychotherapist · Social science · Sociology · Computer Science · Motivation and Self-Concept in Sports · Physical Education and Pedagogy · Psychology · Sport Psychology and Performance

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