The coaching approaches of an expert baseball pitching coach: Methods according to players' skill levels

Abstract

　The aim of this study was to present a case study of an expert pitching coach in collegiate baseball, highlighting practical knowledge for enhancing pitching skills. Data on the expert pitching coach were collected by recording coaching behaviors using a video camera and capturing verbal interactions with an IC recorder. The total duration of data collection was 755 minutes, including 396 minutes devoted to coaching the first team and 359 minutes spent with the second and third teams. The collected video and audio data were analyzed in detail using quantitative methods. The findings revealed that the expert pitching coach adjusted their coaching strategies based on the skill level of the players. Furthermore, notable differences were identified in the methods of communication and language used depending on the target group. Specifically, the study yielded the following insights: 1. For less-skilled players, the expert pitching coach employed nonverbal communication strategies such as “demonstration of ideal movements” and “manual guidance through physical contact” to facilitate the players' ability to imitate optimal movements and create an environment conducive to visualizing improvements. 2. For highly skilled players, the coach encouraged reflective thinking through the use of “open-ended questioning” and emphasized the term “personal sensation” to elicit the players’ tacit knowledge and experiential understanding.