Article

Coaching the beautiful game: an actor-network theory study of sport coaching

Details

Citation

Maclean J (2021) Coaching the beautiful game: an actor-network theory study of sport coaching. Studies in Continuing Education, 43 (3), pp. 328-342. https://doi.org/10.1080/0158037x.2021.1900095

Abstract
Sport coaches continue to coach without reference to a conceptualisation of coaching. Indeed, coaching research has been caught in a chasm between process and practice conceptualisations, further widening the application of theory to practice. And coaches are often the protagonists in both of these accounts. Yet, as we will see, this is controversial for several reasons. Inspired by actor-network theory and the theory of the quasi-object (Serres, M. [1980] 2007. The Parasite. Minneapolis: Minnesota University Press), I go to the local, material, mundane sites where coaching is practiced and follow the ball (the 12th player!) in action. Three anecdotes are described: moving from the game towards a field of practice, to be seduced, and or not to be seduced. This article presents an innovative way of observing the coaching process that brings about new insights for how coaching is conceived, understood and practiced. I conclude with some implications of articulating the sociomaterialities for coaching education.

Keywords
Latour; actor-network theory; quasi-object; sociomaterial; sport coaching

Journal
Studies in Continuing Education: Volume 43, Issue 3

StatusPublished
FundersEconomic and Social Research Council
Publication date31/12/2021
Publication date online24/03/2021
Date accepted by journal05/03/2021
URLhttp://hdl.handle.net/1893/32666
PublisherInforma UK Limited
ISSN0158-037X
eISSN1470-126X

People (1)

Dr Jordan Maclean

Dr Jordan Maclean

Research Assistant, Sociology, Social Policy & Criminology