Introduction: Despite the increasing participation rates of female athletes in competitive sports, they still remain under-represented in sport science research. Neglecting the distinct biological, psychological, and social factors influencing female athletes` participation, development, and performance underscores a significant oversight in this area. The interdependence of factors, ranging from physiology to coaching communication, necessitates a thorough exploration of optimal athletic development. Hence, the purpose of this study was to explore the current knowledge among coaches and the specific requirements of future coach education programs tailored to enhance coaching practices in female sports. Methods: Sixteen Norwegian coaches both in the recreational tiers (n=8) and elite sport levels (n=8) participated in semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Two coaches from eight different sports participated in this study. This diverse sample facilitated a nuanced perspective on coaching practices in female sports. Reflexive thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2022) was employed to delve into the lived experiences of these coaches, uncovering prevalent coaching approaches, experiences, and discerning challenges encountered in coaching female athletes. Results: The data analysis generated a pressing need for enhanced knowledge and coach education programs to effectively guide coaches of female athletes. The participants expressed a lack of exposure to methodologies specifically tailored to female athletes, often relying on generalized approaches derived from coaching male athletes. Notably, elite sport coaches prioritized resilience-building strategies and performance optimization, while recreational coaches emphasized inclusion and well-being outcomes. Moreover, team sport coaches were less inclined toward individualization compared to individual sport coaches. However, the overarching necessity for refined knowledge and coach education content remained consistent across diverse sports and coaching tiers. Discussion: The findings underscore the importance of addressing knowledge gaps and customizing coach education programs to meet the distinctive needs of coaches working with female athletes. While disparities existed between different groups of coaches, the overarching need for improved female-specific coaching practices remained consistent. Recognizing and bridging these gaps might empower coaches to better support female athletes, promoting development and performance outcomes. The discussion advocates for a more nuanced and inclusive approach to coach education, mindful of the diverse contexts and priorities inherent in sports coaching of female athletes. Moreover, incorporating well-being outcomes in coach education programs can further enhance support for female athletes.
© Copyright 2024 29th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science, 2-5 July 2024, Book of Abstracts. Veröffentlicht von European College of Sport Science. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.