Effects of Behavioral Coaching on the Place-Kicking Skills of High School Rugby Players

Abstract

Study objectives: To investigate effects of behavioral coaching on place-kicking skills in high school rugby players. Design: Multiple baseline across 3 participants, based on single-case experimental design. Participants: 3 male high school rugby players. Intervention: Correct place-kicking skills were divided into 9 component skills. Behavioral coaching of the 9 skills consisted of instruction, modeling, behavioral rehearsal, and verbal and checklist feedback. Measures: The percentage of correct component skills demonstrated and successful place kicks was calculated for each player in each session. Results: After behavioral coaching, the percentage of correct component skills demonstrated and successful place kicking skills improved in all 3 participants. Conclusion: Behavioral coaching was effective in improving place-kicking skills.