An intensive longitudinal investigation of a parent–coach’s practices and strategies ‘in action’; challenges and opportunities

Sports coaching and sport psychology researchers haveexplored the challenges for parents who undertake therole of coach. Arising from previously research on the parent–coach, a number of strategies have been suggested toassist parent–coaches to be more effective as they negotiatethe dual roles. No research has examined the issues, nuances and possibilities of these strategies and practices “inaction” from the perspective of the parent–coach. An intensive longitudinal diaryapproach was used by one parent–coach to document and reflect on coaching practice whenapplying the researcher proposed strategies. This study addsto scholarship that examines the dual roles of the parent–coach by outlining what works and what does not in termsof previously outlined strategies. We found that the unproblematic presentation of the two roles, in previous research,fails to prepare the prospective parent coach for the complexity of managing the dual roles