The module will initially provide detailed knowledge of acquisition of sports skills theory and how this information can be used to inform football coaches and teachers’ practice. Utilising academic research to inform practical application, this will enable students to examine the rationale behind current teaching and coaching strategies and explore the theory behind learning sports skills and apply these concepts to their football coaching. The module then further aims to develop students' knowledge and abilities in coaching and teaching situations. Content will cover coaching and teaching models, styles, strategies and philosophies. Principles of effective teaching and coaching will be considered in football and in a range of specific contexts, for example, adapting activities to suit individual needs. Various methods of analysing football performance, including observation, GPS tracking, notational analysis and performance analysis will be examined. Industry standard computer software, such as ProZone, Dartfish and Focus, will be used to support performance analysis of football and inform the students’ football coaching.

There are 2 pieces of summative assessment associated with this module. Each piece of assessment does not have to be passed in order to pass the module overall. Details of the assessment(s) are below:

1. A 20-minute GROUP PRESENTATION (assessing LO’s 1 and 2), weighted at 50% of the overall module grade. This presentation will consist of an introduction to acquiring sports skills, the development of performance (expert performance) and ultimately a performance analysis of an individual or team.

2. A 15-minute PRACTICAL COACHING SESSION (assessing LO's 3 and 4), worth 50% of the overall module assessment grade. This practical will focus upon effective planning and organisation, as well as demonstrating an ability to develop sports performance by applying relevant sports coaching principles and strategies to practice. [FINAL]

Each element of assessment must be submitted.

Additional Assessment Details (including formative feedback / assessment):
Students will be provided with formative assessment opportunities by undertaking a series of review
questions (available on Blackboard) and ILA’s covering key material on the module. These review questions will inform discussion of key issues examined in lecture, practical and workshop sessions

Hughes, M. and Franks, I. M. (2004) Notational Analysis of Sport (2nd Ed.) Abingdon: Routledge

Martens, R. (2012). Successful coaching (4th ed.). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics

Robinson, P. E. (2014). Foundations of Sports Coaching. London: Routledge.

Williams, A. M., & Hodges, N. J. (Eds.). (2012). Skill acquisition in Sport: Research, theory and practice. UK: Routledge.

Access to Blackboard
Appropriately and adequately equipped lecture theatre (with DVD/video facilities)
Appropriately and adequately equipped seminar room
Appropriately and adequately equipped sports facilities including an astro-turf and sports hall.
Appropriately and adequately stocked library facilities.
Appropriate motion analysis (Catapult GPS system) and match analysis software (ProZone, Dartfish, or equivalent) and IT facilities

1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of how performers learn and develop football techniques and skills to produce high level performance.
Knowledge and Understanding

2. Demonstrate an ability to conduct an in-depth and detailed analysis of a football performance using an appropriate methodology.
Analysis, Enquiry, Problem Solving

3. Demonstrate knowledge of the coaching process and skill development strategies through the planning and organisation of a practical football coaching session.
Application, Learning, Communication, Knowledge and Understanding, Problem Solving

4. Practically demonstrate an ability to develop football performance by applying relevant football coaching principles and strategies to practice.
Application, Knowledge and Understanding, Problem Solving.

This module consists of a tutor-lead lecture programme (some of which may be delivered on an on line basis), as well as a practical session/workshop/seminar to complement. There will be specific tutor-directed independent study and a responsibility to either observe, assist or lead coaching sessions in a sport of your choice, or undertake one of The F.A.'s coaching pathway qualifications. Students will conduct independent study into research and reading around topics covered in the module. Student-lead independent study will be required specifically for assessment preparation.

The module will initially provide detailed knowledge of the acquisition of sports skills theory and how this information can be used to inform football coaches and teachers’ practice. Utilising academic research to inform practical application, this will enable you to examine the rationale behind current teaching and coaching strategies and explore the theory behind learning sports skills, and ultimately applying these concepts to your football coaching. The module then further aims to develop your knowledge and abilities in coaching and teaching situations. Content will cover coaching and teaching models, styles, strategies and philosophies. Principles of effective teaching and coaching will be considered in football and in a range of specific contexts, for example, adapting activities to suit individual needs. Various methods of analysing football performance, including observation, GPS tracking, rotational analysis and performance analysis will be examined. Industry standard computer software, such as Dartfish, will be used to support performance analysis of football and inform the students’ football coaching.