Qualitative study of practical wisdom in handball coaching through narratives of a young coach who directed a top-level college team

Abstract

    The purpose of this study was to study practical wisdom in coaching, and how it relates to enhancing competitive ability in ball sports. To this end, an interview was conducted with a young coach who directed a top-level college handball team. The following aspects became clear upon qualitatively analyzing his narratives on planning, executing, and assessing game plans from a phenomenological perspective:
    1）When designing a game plan, a satisfactory result cannot be expected unless an effective strategy is planned and prepared by taking into account the opponent's predicted response to the strategy.
    2）The desired automation of team strategy in ball sports involves considering movements and ball handling as a loosely followed rule, prioritizing a player's judgment in individual play situations, and for other players to work in coordination with the player.
    3）Although persisting in one strategy enhances the achievement of strategy objectives, it does not necessarily enhance the team's competitive ability in the game as a whole.