Coxing is a highly specialised skillset in the sport of rowing which has received limited research to date. The aim of this study was to explore what elite coxswains say during rowing races. The study involved a thematic analysis of coxswain recordings that were publicly available on YouTube. Sixteen elite coxswain recordings were found and eight met the inclusion criteria. Video recordings were from the following competitions: one from the World Senior Championships (2011), one from the World Under-23 Championships (2021), one from a World Cup (2022), two from Henley Royal Regatta semi-finals (2015 and 2022) and three from Henley finals (2014, 2017 and 2022). Coxswains made an average of 32 calls per minute. Out of the coxes’ total calls, 94% were directed towards the crew however on occasion coxes directed calls to individual rowers or specific sections of the boat (e.g., bow side). The content of the elite coxswains’ calls was classified under three themes: technical calls (40.4% of total calls), motivational calls (38.6%) and tactical calls (21%). In addition, four themes were developed in relation to how coxes delivered the calls: the direction, timing and tone of calls, as well as the use of chiding. This exploratory study provides a first step towards gaining a richer and broader understanding of what elite coxswains say during races and may stimulate reflection among coxswains and rowing coaches. The findings provide a basis for evaluating coxswain education and future research.
Nugent, F., Toledo, Z. D., Myers, E., & Kearney, P. E. (2025). What do elite rowing coxswains say during races?. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching. https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541251335448
Dr. Frank Nugent is the Endurance Sports Science Theme Lead at the Sport and Human Performance Research Center and Course Director of the BSc in Exercise and Health Fitness Management in the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, UL. He has a PhD in Exercise Physiology and is an accredited S&C coach through the Sport Ireland Institute and UK Strength and Conditioning Association.
Contact: frank.nugent@ul.ie Researchgate, LinkedIn @FrankNugent10
Dr. Phil Kearney is a Lecturer in Motor Skill Acquisition, Coaching and Performance and Tutor on the MSc. Applied Sports Coaching. Phil’s research interests include maturation and youth sport, coaches’ knowledge and practices and enhancing practice quality.
You can contact Phil via email at philip.kearney@ul.ie or view his research profile: https://pure.ul.ie/en/persons/philip-kearney
PESS News & Information 