SP5039 - Coaching Skills and Practice

What will I learn on this module?

This practically oriented module will focus upon the application of research informed approaches to coaching that promote conditions for optimal learning and motivation across different sport coaching contexts. Coaching Skills and Practice builds upon the knowledge, skills and applied experiences gained at Level 4 to develop a research rich understanding of key pedagogical principles (e.g., coaching behaviours, practice design) that can be applied to create progressive, engaging and transferable outcomes in different sport coaching contexts. This module aims to introduce the concepts of how to create motivational climates (e.g., self-determination theory) that meet group/individual needs to positively influence engagement, motivation and well-being in sport. In addition, this module will develop an understanding of applied skill acquisition research that can be used to create conditions for optimal learning, and transfer of skill to different applied sport coaching contexts (e.g., high performance, participation, special populations).

How will I learn on this module?

Taught content will be delivered through a combination of lectures, seminar activities, practical workshops, demonstrations, supervised practice and self-directed activities. Learning will be supported through access to a variety of teaching materials available on the eLP. Taught content will be both staff and student led, with an emphasis placed on students’ ability to practically apply theoretical and evidence-based approaches to coaching. Practical sessions will provide opportunity to apply theory to practice and receive peer/tutor feedback to develop practical coaching capabilities. Associated seminar sessions will be used to discuss the application of coaching theory to practice. Students are strongly encouraged to engage in independent study through the provision of reading lists and topics to be covered in preparation for all taught sessions There will be the opportunity to work in smaller groups with discipline specific members of staff who will facilitate context driven discussion and learning.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Module information, assessment requirements and expectations, and important module announcements will be made through the eLP.

Material to support your learning will be uploaded in advance of sessions. You will be provided with content verbally and guided through tasks during timetabled sessions. A dedicated assessment session will afford you the opportunity to ask assessment related questions in class. The Module Leader is there to support you with any queries that you may have about the module content, and all staff members provide tutorial time outside of class time. Module tutors will provide you with the necessary information on how to arrange a tutorial. You will have the opportunity to receive formative feedback on your development during the module, and you will receive feedback on summative work to help you identify areas of strength and areas for development. There will be the opportunity to discuss your feedback with a member of staff during a tutorial. There are also further academic skills support available from the University Library services.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:

You will demonstrate an ability to understand and analyse sport coach created motivational climates and related theories;

You will demonstrate an ability to understand and analyse extant motor skill acquisition theoretical models



Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

You will develop skills on how to apply key theories of motivation and skill acquisition to create a series of progressive, inclusive and transferable coaching sessions which promote prolonged engagement and skill development in sport.



Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

You will recognise how a sport coach's behaviours and practice can influence and explain changes in an athlete’s movement coordination and behaviours.

How will I be assessed?

1. Summative Assessment:



Component 1:

Practical coaching session (70%). Practical coaching session will be based on theories of motor skill acquisition in combination with the coach-created motivational climate. The practical coaching sessions will be 15 mins. (MLOs, KU 1,2, IPSA 3).



Component 2:

Viva (30%). Each student will be required to answer a series of questions relating to their practical delivery regarding the underpinning theory and practical application. The viva will be 5 mins. (MLOs KU 1,2, PVA 4).

2. Formative Assessment: includes practical coaching of a variety of participants and groups, critical analysis (research-tutored and –research-based) of appropriate case studies and in-class individual and group presentations. Students will receive both tutor and peer feedback on the tasks supporting the student/s in their completion of the formative assessments.



Summative Feedback

You will receive written or audio feedback on your summative assessment to help you identify areas of strength and areas for development. There will be the opportunity to discuss your feedback with a member of staff during a tutorial.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

Coaching Skills and Practice’ is a practically oriented module that aims to equip students with the knowledge and understanding of coach-created motivational climates that can positively influence athletes’ behaviours, engagement, and well-being in sport. This module will also develop awareness of how a coach can apply motor skill acquisition research to create optimal learning conditions to meet the needs of different client groups. Due to the practical nature of this module, emphasis will be placed upon student-led learning that is supported by instruction, demonstration and feedback from our expert team of applied academic staff. When delivering practical sessions, particular emphasis will be placed upon the application of motivation and skill acquisition theory to different coaching contexts (e.g., high performance, physical education, special populations). By the end of this module, you should be able to demonstrate how a coach can create a suitable environment which promotes engagement and skill development in sport.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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