ABSTRACT
This chapter draws on perspectives of a coach–researcher (Author 1) and an athlete–researcher (Author 2) to discuss tensions and opportunities associated with the use of the athlete-centred coaching approach in the masters swimming context. Drawing on vignettes, we elaborate the challenges associated with organisation of training and the integration of athlete voice from a coach perspective; how the athlete can feel part of a large and complex group rather than an individual; the challenges associated with masters athletic identity and how past coaching experiences might have shaped their understanding of quality coaching. We also explore how the discourses of health and wellbeing simultaneously present challenges for the coach–athlete dyad and present opportunities for coaches to develop relationships with athletes that underpin the core philosophy of an athlete-centred approach.
