Assessment of Training Competencies and Coaching Styles of Badminton Coaches

Abstract

This study evaluated the training competencies and coaching methodologies of badminton coaches at selected universities in Hunan Province, China, as perceived by student-athletes. The research employed a comparative-correlational design to investigate variations in coaching competencies and styles across demographic profiles, including sex, age, and years of playing experience. It examined the correlation between coaching styles and competencies. We obtained data from 59 student-athletes at six different colleges and used descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney U test, the Kruskal-Wallis H test, and Kendall's Tau correlation to analyze it. The findings indicated that sex did not have a significant impact on coaching competencies. Age and years of playing experience, on the other hand, were important. Younger coaches were better at motivating players and helping them develop as individuals, whereas older coaches were better at technical skills. There was a strong link between coaching styles and competencies. Command and reciprocal styles had an impact across broader areas, whereas problem-solving and guided discovery styles were better suited to technical growth. A statistically significant but low correlation confirmed that the choice of coaching style has a positive effect on competency outcomes. Based on these results, an Enhanced Coaching Training Program (ECTP) was proposed to align competencies across demographic groups, enhance style versatility, and encourage ongoing professional development. This would support the overall growth of athletes and the alignment of institutions.