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Minors

Science of Coaching

Mission

The mission of the coaching minor is to respond to the critical need in today's society for quality coaches. The Science of Coaching minor is designed to professionally prepare the student to become an effective coach on and off the field of play. The coursework provides students opportunities to learn and apply the principles and practices of coaching in any athletic or sport setting. The practicum allows the students to actively participate in a coaching experience under the guidance and supervision of a qualified coach.

Description of Program

Athletics can have far-reaching effects physically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually in the lives of young people. The substantial growth in athletic participation, the increased emphasis on sport competition, and the greater attention paid to athletics in the educational process have motivated educators and community leaders to require that their coaches develop a foundation of essential coaching skills. It is the goal of the Coaching Minor, within the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, to enable prospective coaching professionals to be trained through programs which will prepare them to: (a) demonstrate knowledge of the profession of athletics, (b) demonstrate an understanding of professional practices, issues and trends essential for effective coaching, and (c) demonstrate appropriate professional behaviors for athletic coaching.

With a strong background in the science and physiology of movement, athletic training, care and prevention of athletic injuries and psychology of coaching, students will possess the knowledge, skills and experience required for services as an athletic coach. The Coaching Minor is a 25 credit hour program that emphasizes six essential elements for future coaches. These key elements include: (1) Human growth and developmental aspects of coaching, (2) Medical-legal aspects of coaching, (3) Social/Psychological aspects of coaching, (4) Biomechanical aspects of coaching, (5) Strategies and technical aspects of coaching, (6) Professional preparation and practicum in coaching.

  1. Human growth and developmental aspects of coaching
    • The program will emphasize practices, issues and theories in human growth and development with special attention placed on training, conditioning and nutrition.
  2. Medical-legal aspects of coaching
    • The program will emphasize practices, issues and theories in first aid, care, prevention and recovery from athletic injuries.
  3. Social/Psychological aspects of coaching
    • The program will emphasize practices, issues, and theories involving behavioral aspects of an athlete’s relationship with society. Special attention will be focused on the societal role of coaches and the influences they have with their athletes.
  4. Biomechanical aspects of coaching
    • The program will emphasize practices, issues, and theories involving the scientific aspects of athletic performance including anatomy, kinesiology and physiology.
  5. Strategies and technical aspects of coaching
    • The program will emphasize practices, issues, and theories involved in the organization and strategies of sport and the techniques of coaching basic skills of sport.
  6. Professional preparation and practicum of coaching
    • The program will emphasize practices, issues, and theories regarding professional development in the coaching area and will culminate with a semester long practical field experience in their coaching area.

In addition to the coaching curriculum, students are encouraged to participate in several experiences beyond the classroom intended to enhance their preparation for athletic coaching. These opportunities include:

  • Participation in clinics
  • Judging and officiating competitions
  • Attending workshops
  • Assisting with high school teams
  • Coaching with private sport programs
  • Volunteering with local youth leagues and programs
  • Shadowing/interviewing community coaches

For more information regarding Coaching as an area of study contact the following organizations:

Where can I get more information?

For specific program information, contact:

Tonja Englund
175 McPhee
UW-Eau Claire
(715)836-3489
engluntj@uwec.edu


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