Coaching life skills in youth athletes

Scott Pierce and Daniel Gould

Chapter 4 in Handbook of Sport Coaching Research, 2026, pp 34-43 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This chapter reviews, summarizes, and critiques the research on coaching life skills in young athletes. Findings reveal that both implicit (e.g., creating a positive youth development-oriented sport environment) and explicit (e.g., intentionally teach athletes how to set goals) coaching strategies are associated with life skill development in young athletes. Factors associated with the amplification of life skill coaching efforts include fostering positive coach-athlete relationships; adopting a humanistic Positive Youth Development-focused coaching philosophy; employing a strength-based coaching approach; establishing a prosocial team culture; ensuring physical and psychological safety and a caring mastery-oriented climate; fostering positive relationships with and between youth; and, establishing and supporting youth autonomy by providing rationales for coaching actions, acknowledging athlete feelings and providing athletes with choices. Research also shows that coaches can be trained to foster life skills in their athletes. Implications for future research and applied practice are discussed.

Keywords: Life skills; Life Skills Transfer; Young Athletes (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035341634
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