Abstract

Just as quality coaching is crucial for performance, so impactful coach development should be a central pillar of a psychologist’s, governing body’s, or even a government’s development plan. Given this importance, and against a backdrop which suggests that many coach development initiatives may lack impact, the authors consider certain individual characteristics which may act to inhibit, limit or even prevent the impact of coach development programs. Based on theories of learning and knowledge perception, the authors propose that distinct sub-groups of high level coaches, which were termed Vampires and Wolves, hold different views which may facilitate or limit their approach to professional development. The authors offer preliminary support for this contention through qualitative data which reflect these coaches’ attitudes and behaviors. Finally, the authors invite comment and debate about how coach development can be best designed to optimally impact on coach and athlete performance. Verf.-Referat (geändert)