Application of the behaviour change technique taxonomy (BCTTv1) to an inclusive physical literacy-based sport program for children and youth
Shannon E Weissman, Ryanne Perinpanayagam, F. Virginia Wright, Kelly P. Arbour‐Nicitopoulos
Abstract
Coaches play a critical role in shaping the sporting experiences of children and youth. In introductory-level grassroots sport programs, the coaching strategies used can greatly influence children’s and youths’ physical literacy development. This study identified behaviour change techniques (BCTs) used by coaches in an inclusive physical literacy-based grassroots sport program for children and youth. Specifically, the study aimed to assess the type and frequency of BCTs reported by coaches in their weekly one-on-one coaching session logs. This study focused on a community-based program (Igniting Fitness Possibilities) that supports children and youth with varied abilities in becoming engaged in local physical activity opportunities. 162 weekly coaching logs from 13 coaches (n = 8 females) were coded using Michie and colleagues’ (2013) BCT Taxonomy (BCTTv1) consisting of 93 different BCTs. A codebook was developed in accordance with the BCTTv1 to assist in identifying BCTs used within the Igniting Fitness Possibilities context. Thirty-six BCTs were identified across the coaching logs, with an average of 3.62 (SD = 2.43) different BCTs coded per log. The most commonly coded BCTs were ‘demonstration of the behaviour’ (146 codings), ‘instruction on how to perform the behaviour’ (145 codings), and ‘behavioural practice/rehearsal’ (137 codings). The findings support the applicability of the BCTTv1 to a paediatric inclusive grassroots context and provide insight into BCTs that might be most relevant to target for physical literacy development in this setting. BCT identification can also promote reflective coaching practices, help identify gaps in training, and provide a foundation for evaluating the effectiveness of coaching strategies.