<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<p>Scientific research focusing on ice hockey is growing, although a complex model describing team performance is yet to be added to the knowledge base. The purpose of the study is to finalize the authors’ proposed model of ice hockey team performance and gain insights on how the included factors contribute to the operation of the team and the coach. Based on the processed literature, it was assumed that the psychological aspect is among the key factors contributing to team performance. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with highly qualified experts on Hungarian ice hockey (five national team coaches and five senior national team players). The results indicate that the psychological factors of the coach and the team are essential for high team performance, along with the influence ability of both sides, creating two-way communication and feedback loops. The practical knowledge of the coach was emphasized over theoretical knowledge, and the team’s tactical knowledge was emphasized over technical knowledge. It also emerged that the coach must know the team well in order to make appropriate decisions. The role of the coach is no longer to act as a stressor, but rather to set a good example as a role model while remaining open to feedback from the team’s side. It was concluded that although many psychological methods are available to improve performance, the use of these methods has not yet been sufficiently exploited. While the use of these methods could improve performance, the team could experience more success and make sporting activity a fundamental part of players’ health through bonding and belonging.</p>
</abstract>

Scientific research focusing on ice hockey is growing, although a complex model describing team performance is yet to be added to the knowledge base. The purpose of the study is to finalize the authors’ proposed model of ice hockey team performance and gain insights on how the included factors contribute to the operation of the team and the coach. Based on the processed literature, it was assumed that the psychological aspect is among the key factors contributing to team performance. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with highly qualified experts on Hungarian ice hockey (five national team coaches and five senior national team players). The results indicate that the psychological factors of the coach and the team are essential for high team performance, along with the influence ability of both sides, creating two-way communication and feedback loops. The practical knowledge of the coach was emphasized over theoretical knowledge, and the team’s tactical knowledge was emphasized over technical knowledge. It also emerged that the coach must know the team well in order to make appropriate decisions. The role of the coach is no longer to act as a stressor, but rather to set a good example as a role model while remaining open to feedback from the team’s side. It was concluded that although many psychological methods are available to improve performance, the use of these methods has not yet been sufficiently exploited. While the use of these methods could improve performance, the team could experience more success and make sporting activity a fundamental part of players’ health through bonding and belonging.

Complex Ice Hockey Team Performance Model based on Expert Interviews

Physical Culture and Sport. Studies and Research

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

{"article-title":"Complex Ice Hockey Team Performance Model based on Expert Interviews"}

Scientific research focusing on ice hockey is growing, although a complex model describing team performance is yet to be added to the knowledge base. The...

Complex Ice Hockey Team Performance Model based on Expert Interviews

Published Online: Jun 23, 2022

Page range: 76 - 84

Received: Apr 01, 2022

Accepted: May 30, 2022

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/pcssr-2022-0013

Keywords
Ice hockey, role change of coach, sports psychology, team performance

© 2022 Gergely Géczi et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Complex Ice Hockey Team Performance Model based on Expert Interviews

Published Online: Jun 23, 2022

Page range: 76 - 84

Received: Apr 01, 2022

Accepted: May 30, 2022

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/pcssr-2022-0013

KeywordsIce hockey, role change of coach, sports psychology, team performance

© 2022 Gergely Géczi et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Keywords
Ice hockey, role change of coach, sports psychology, team performance