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Labours of Sport Coaching: The Science and Art of Coaching, Motivation, and Self-Determination

Labours of Sport Coaching: The Science and Art of Coaching, Motivation, and Self-Determination

By: Dr Mark James Carroll
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Labours of Sport Coaching helps coaches develop Herculean strength in knowledge. I mostly discuss self-determination theory as applied to coaching, but occasionally explore pedagogy, philosophy, and under discussed or little known areas of coaching research and practice. This podcast is for information purposes only. My views and those of my guests are not the same, nor do my views reflect my employers. Sign up for newsletter: https://laboursofsportcoaching.beehiiv.com/subscribe Get in touch: laboursofsportcoaching@mail.com Visit website: https://markjcarrollcoaching.wordpress.com/Dr Mark James Carroll
Episodes
  • The time and place for athlete need-support, and coach control
    Jul 25 2025

    Read my new article on podcasting for academics!:

    https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/why-academics-should-adopt-podcasters-mindset


    Ever feel like right now isn't the time for athlete input when coaching, or you don't have enough time to give it, or other outside conditions are just not right? Ever considered the impact of weather on your coaching behaviour? In this episode I talk through the logistical and situational challenges of coaching delivery that combines with emotions and values to create behaviour. This conversation represents part 2 of the practical challenges theme kicked off last week, and offers both justification for more controlling - or at least less autonomy supportive - coaching behaviours, as well as challenges to supposed barriers to building more motivationally adaptive environment for players.


    My PhD thesis influenced this work:

    STORRE: A qualitative multiple case study exploration of the antecedents of the interpersonal behaviours of youth football coaches in Scotland based on a self-determination theory framework


    If you like this episode I recommend checking out these previous episodes too:Managing athletes' ego involvement in youth sport coaching

    Coach-athlete relationship masterclass, with Sofia Jowett

    The problem with coach observations


    Learn more about your host and access services and added resources:

    https://markjcarrollcoaching.wordpress.com/consultancy/



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    34 mins
  • Managing athletes' ego involvement in youth sport coaching
    Jul 18 2025

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    In the first of three episodes looking at practical dilemmas coaches face when 'doing the job of coaching', I discuss the place, role, and management of competition across training and matchday environments, specifically within youth sport from a self determination theory perspective. Beyond binary recommendations, however, the real world of coaching requires skill in managing the dosage of competition and all its interpersonal requirements to fully support athletes' psychological needs and linger term quality of motivation.


    My PhD thesis influenced this work:STORRE: A qualitative multiple case study exploration of the antecedents of the interpersonal behaviours of youth football coaches in Scotland based on a self-determination theory framework


    If you like this episode I recommend checking out these previous episodes too:


    Autonomy supportive coaching 101

    Competence supportive coaching 101

    Relatedness supportive coaching 101

    Cesar Torres - A defence of competition in youth sports


    Learn more about your host and access services and addedresources:

    https://markjcarrollcoaching.wordpress.com/consultancy/


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    34 mins
  • A defence of competition in youth sports - EPISODE FROM VAULT
    Jul 11 2025

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    This week we're going back to one of the podcast's first, and most interesting conversations, with Professor Cesar Torres, a sport philosopher and historian from SUNY Brockport university in the USA. Cesar offers an alternative way of viewing and using competition when working with young sport participants, that contrasts with the popular villainisation of competition in youth sport circles.


    Want to leave feedback or suggest a topic for a future episode? Get in touch: laboursofsportcoaching@mail.com


    Learn more about your host and access services and addedresources:

    https://markjcarrollcoaching.wordpress.com/consultancy/

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    1 hr and 2 mins
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