ABSTRACT
Successful coaching in sport is at least as dependent on utilising good teaching and social practices as it is about expertise in sport skills and tactics. High-Performance Sport (HPS) settings add further considerations for coaches, such as: delivering successful outcomes; regular international travel; and leading and managing people, including support staff. To understand the specific nature of coaching, one needs to consider the context in which the coach operates, which can serve to reduce the perceived level of complexity of the role. HPS coaching has become more demanding, with an increased focus on performance outcomes, requiring the HPS coach to continually monitor and optimise various personnel and systems. Leadership is one of the most well-researched areas of coaching practice. Coaches are pivotal to the success of the athlete development process, where the quality of their leadership of those around them can determine the level of success of performance outcomes.
