Research Impact: Game-Based Approach (GBA) pedagogy has been promoted within the research literature and coach education programmes. Despite such advocacy, evidence is lacking regarding the uptake of such methods by coaches. This study investigated inter-county Gaelic football coaches’ practice activities to determine how these practices aligned with benchmarks outlined in GBA literature. The study found that coaches sequenced their sessions in a traditional format (i.e., skills practice first) and spent notable periods in activities deemed less relevant to game play. The findings suggest that it is unlikely coaches are applying game based pedagogy as promoted in the academic literature. Further education with coaches is needed to ensure a more sophisticated conceptual understanding and application of GBAs in coaches’ practice.
Kinnerk, P., Harvey, S., Kearney, P., MacDonncha, C., & Lyons, M. (2019). An Investigation of the Self-Reported Practice Activities and Session Sequencing of Inter-County Gaelic Football Coaches. International Sport Coaching Journal, 6(2), 211-219. https://doi.org/10.1123/iscj.2018-0090
In the Media – Irish Examiner 13th June 2019
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