Coach Assist: Assessing Youth Basketball Coaches’ Feedback on Participation in an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-Based Intervention Incorporating Self-Determination Theory Principles

This paper introduces a pioneering intervention program based mainly on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, designed to address the multifaceted challenges faced by sports coaches. In order to provide a more comprehensive intervention that bolsters coaches’ intra-and interpersonal skills, principles from Self-Determination Theory have been integrated as a complementary framework. The program was nationally implemented across 32 youth basketball clubs, engaging 172 coaches. These coaches participated in a four-session series, focusing on diverse facets including value exploration, awareness of behavioral functions (“choice point”), self-regulation techniques, and strategies to meet athletes’ basic psychological needs. Out of these, 108 coaches from 26 participating clubs filled out the online feedback form at the end of the intervention, highlighting their experiences, benefits, and areas of improvement within the program. Coaches’ feedback indicated that the program furnished an effective framework for sports coaching, suggesting enhancements in coaches’ abilities to navigate their challenges. Practical recommendations have been administered based on the coaches’ feedback.