The Psychological Influencing Factors of the Practice Environment

Abstract

The environments in which athletes develop and perform can have a significant impact upon performance outcomes. Previous research has predominantly focused on the psychological performance environment of athletes within, and leading up to, competitive performance events. There has been little consideration given to psychological factors in the practice environment that might influence both development and performance. As a result, the focus of this programme of research was to explore the psychological factors influencing athlete development and performance in the practice environment. To achieve this purpose five studies were completed within UK academy basketball practice environments. Using qualitative research methods that could offer rich perceptual data, the first and second studies provided an initial exploration of the psychological influencing factors in the practice environment to create a conceptual framework using interpretative phenomenological analysis and case study respectively. Study three applied the practice environment framework longitudinally within a larger UK basketball academy participant population. Study three findings suggested that the framework existed within the multiple practice environments investigated. Study four used an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach to provide a rich and deep gathering of basketball coach perception. Coach perceptual data offered both confirmation and deeper insights into influencing factors, with additions being made to the practice environment framework. Five key practice environment factors developed from the previous exploratory studies, which were high effort being a player’s primary goal in the practice environment, players undertaking pre-practice performance reflection, players developing supportive communication, the setting of common goals to enhance team performance, and an enhanced preparation period before practice, were applied as an educational strategy in study five to improve performance within a real-world basketball practice environment. The factors of influence were found to be complex, related, and highly dependent upon specific practice environment scenarios. The overall findings from the current programme of research suggest the psychological influencing factors of the practice environment are different to other sporting environments that athletes experience. In particular, effort and control, individual and team orientations, communication and negative motivation, performance expectations and social interactions, preparation, and player and coach characteristics, were highlighted as specific to the influencing factors of the practice environment. Therefore, practice could be considered as a standalone environment within the performance environments of athletes. The framework produced in the current programme of research is based on a UK academy basketball environment and could be of use to practitioners within that setting to enhance athlete development and performance in the practice environment.

Date of Award	3 Jul 2020
Original language	English
Supervisor	Stewart Cotterill (Supervisor) & Hazel J Brown (Supervisor)