Systematic observation

The purpose of this book chapter is to present the method of systematic observation and how to use it as a method of data collection within coaching research. Systematic observation is one of the most employed data collection methods in sports coaching literature. Originally undertaken in the 1970s but gaining traction in the 80s and 90s, systematic observation has predominately been used in sports coaching research to offer descriptions of coaches’ behaviour and practice activities. Systematic observation continues to advance knowledge and understanding of what coaches do and has been used alongside other methods to serve as a stimulus to explore the rationale behind coaches’ behaviour. This chapter provides recommendations on which systematic observation system to use, practical considerations to consider, how to represent best the data collected, and finally, our reflections on having extensive experience using this method to inform future coaching research. The book chapter, therefore, aims to give greater clarity for researchers and practitioners wanting to employ systematic observation.