SP4006 - Introduction to Sports Coaching

What will I learn on this module?

This module aims to help students develop an understanding of the fundamental knowledge and skills of effective coaching. The module will examine coaching practice in relation to current theories and models associated with effective coaching. You will be given an opportunity to gain practical coaching experience and observe coaches in action within this module.

How will I learn on this module?

The taught content will be delivered and provided in a variety of formats, and you will be able to access materials on the eLP. This module will be delivered using a combination of lectures, seminar sessions, workshops and practical sessions. Direct and independent study will be strongly encouraged through the provision of reading lists, workshop tasks, preparation of coaching sessions and observations of coaches in action. The aim of the practical sessions will be for you to develop key effective practice skills and coaching skills by consolidating key theoretical and applied principles taught to practice contexts. At this level you will be required to coach your peers during practical sessions, leading to a mix between group peer and self-led external coaching at level 5. Taught content involves high involvement from both academic staff and students. Material introduced in the lecture practical, seminar and practical sessions will assist you in the completion of the assessment tasks. There will be the opportunity to work in smaller groups with discipline specific members of staff who will facilitate context driven discussion and learning. You will also be set independent tasks informed by key literature to complete outside of class time to further develop your understanding of the taught content.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Module information, assessment requirements and expectations, and important module announcements will be made through the Blackboard module site. Material to support your learning will be uploaded in advance of sessions. You will be provided with content verbally and guided through tasks during timetabled sessions. A dedicated assessment session will afford you the opportunity to ask assessment related questions in class.

The module leader is there to support you with any queries that you may have about the module content, and all staff members provide tutorial time outside of class time. Module tutors will provide you with the necessary information on how to arrange a tutorial. You will have the opportunity to receive formative feedback on your development during the module, and you will receive feedback on summative work to help you identify areas of strength and areas for development. All staff members of the module team will be available for individual pre-booked meetings. Additional support will include feedback from tutors during small-group seminars. In addition, the module leader will respond to questions via the module’s discussion board (found on the eLP for this module) so that the whole group can benefit
There is also further academic skills support available from the University Library services.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Describe and apply relevant theories and concepts to provide a rationale for their session design.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. Plan and deliver an effective coaching session that meets the needs of the participants in an inclusive and safe environment.
3. Reflect on their own coaching practice using relevant theories and concepts to, identify areas of development.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. Recognise ethical, moral and safety issues related to their coaching practice

How will I be assessed?

Summative Assessment:

Component 1: Practical Coaching assessment (75%) (LO 2,4)
Students will be required to deliver a coaching session to their peers, in a sport of their choice (20minutes). Each student will need to produce a 60-minute coaching session plan and risk assessment for their session.
Students must submit their coaching session plan via Turnitin in advance of their practical assessment date/time.

Component 2: Coaching viva (25%) (LO 1,3)
Each student will be required to individually answer a series of questions regarding the rationale for their session design and to reflect on their progress as a coach and the development of their coaching practice. The viva will last approximately 7-10minutes).


Formative Assessment:

This will include a variety of practical coaching of group based peers as well as opportunities to engage in case studies, in class workshop tasks relating to the development of key practice and coaching skills and in-class group presentations.

Students will receive both tutor and peer feedback on the tasks supporting the student/s in their completion of the formative assessments.

You will receive written or audio feedback on your summative assessment to help you identify areas of strength and areas for development. There will be the opportunity to discuss your feedback with a member of staff during a tutorial.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

“An introduction to sports coaching” aims to provide students with an understanding of the fundamental knowledge and skills of effective sport coaching and their relevance within the coaching process. To do this the module will explore relevant theories and concepts related to effective coaching practice and encourage students to reflect on how the theoretical developments within sport coaching can support their practice. The module will also examine the skills and knowledge required to plan and deliver an effective coaching session, drawing on a range of coaching behaviours and key practice skills. The assessment within this module will provide students with the opportunity to engage in a reflective process, particularly within the practical sessions to encourage students to consider and identify development areas within their coaching practice. Through engaging in the module students can gain an appreciation of the requirement for graduates entering into the sport coaching field and start to develop their skills in relation to employers needs within the sector.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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