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Judo contests are complex situations for coaches observing them. Identifying where judo coaches look (i.e. their visual search strategy) when observing contests can help identify visual information they may use to inform coaching decisions. The current exploratory study investigated the visual search strategies of elite, sub-elite, and non-judo coaches when observing the preparation phase (viewed from video footage) of elite-level judo contests. Participants' eye movements were recorded using a mobile eye-tracker. Participants were instructed to provide verbal coaching instructions to improve a specified judoka's (judo athlete) performance at set times during the footage. Elite coaches fixated significantly more frequently and longer on the specified judoka's upper body (p < 0.05) compared to the opponent's upper body and other key areas within the display. Sub-elite and non-judo coaches demonstrated no significant difference in the frequency or overall length of fixation between the judokas' upper bodies. The visual search strategy of elite judo coaches may have been a purposeful attempt to obtain accurate information about the judoka's attacking intentions early within the contest. This visual search strategy can be attributed to elite judokas' attempting to disguise their attacking intentions. Furthermore, elite coaches may have used the specified judoka's upper body as a visual pivot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main goal of this project was to assess top-level judo coaches' perceptions on two capital elements in coaching: training and competition management. 41 experienced, high-level coaches from Europe, Asia and America agreed to participate. An open-ended questionnaire was selected as the assessment instrument. The two main topics (training and competition) were divided in two areas: methodology and access to highlevel performance, and combat strategies and coaches' roles and tasks during combat, respectively. Results showed that in order to access highlevel performance, judo training must consider the most effective techniques in competition, judokas must develop their special technique and they must work on physical, technical, tactical and psychological aspects. Regarding competition, combat strategy is determined by the opponent, and coaches must provide precise information to their judokas, focusing on their grip and body alignment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Careers in coaching are a relatively new phenomenon in the UK and at present appear to be limited to the performance coach. This study, using an interview approach, examined the transition of expert coaches (n = 9) through various stages in their careers. The main aim of this study was to ascertain if expert coaches could explain the process of their development to perceived expert status. The interviewed coaches could offer no real insight into their designation as experts. They did raise some questions regarding the value of current coach education provision, especially as it related to their current role as coaches of elite athletes. Their methods of development were considered to be informal, with networking with other coaches of like mind believed to be essential to their progress. The ability to contextualise knowledge and information to suit both the individual and situation, as well as appropriate mentors at the initial stages of their coaching careers were also regarded as vital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]