Self-study Work 1. Is Coaching an Art or a Science?

I. Read the text and answer the following questions:

1. Give a definition of coaching in sport and non-sport area.

2. Why do we refer to coaching as one-to-one process?

3. Are there any advantages of coaching? If yes, what are they?

4. Prove that coaching deals much with science.

5. In what way is science applied in coaching?

6. Prove that coaching has much similar with art.

7. Is coaching art or science for you? Explain.

8. Would you like to be a coach? Why/ Why not?

9. What qualities make coach a good one?

Coaching is a deliberate process utilizing focused conversations to create an environment for individual growth, purposeful action, and sustained improvement. It is designed to help people focus on what they need to do more and less of to achieve their goals.

In addition, coaching is a one-to-one process and a relationship between an individual and a coach, usually via telephone, with specific objectives and goals focused on developing potential, improving relationships, and enhancing performance. Coaching uses a formal yet personalized approach that integrates proven techniques for change with behavioural knowledge and hands-on practice. Coaching breaks down barriers to help achieve greater levels of accomplishment. It is a process of self-leadership that enables people to gain clarity about who they are, what they are doing, why they are doing it, and where they want to go.

Science. To support the coach there is a wealth of scientific information based on research conducted with athletes. Information is available to support the coach and athlete in all areas of training and development including nutrition, biomechanics, psychology, physiology & medicine. There are a number of scientific methods to measure and analyse the athlete's performance e.g. computer aided analysis of VO₂ max, lactate levels, running technique etc.

Art. The art of coaching comes when the coach has to analyse the scientific data and convert it into coaching and training programs to help develop the athlete. This analysis process relies heavily on the coach's experience and knowledge of the event/sport and the athlete concerned. By understanding the science, which is the foundation of training, a well designed training program can be developed that will help an athlete reach their full potential.

So is coaching the art of understanding the science and then applying it?

II. Find the equivalents in your native language to the following words and word-combinations:

- individual growth

- deliberate process

- more and less

- via telephone

- improving relationships

- enhancing performance

- integrates proven techniques

- breaks down barriers

- to gain clarity

- nutrition, biomechanics, psychology

- scientific methods

- VO₂ max

- lactate levels

- concerned

- quality of life

- experience and knowledge

- applying

III. Think of advantages and disadvantages of coaching career. Do it in written form