The 3Ps: A tool for coach observation

Coaching doesn’t just occur on the training ground. Much of a coach’s work happens behind the scenes, and it is essential for coaches to consider their actions, reflect, and refine their methods across all areas of their practice. In this presentation, Jamie Taylor outlines how the “3Ps” approach can contribute to this process by encouraging practitioners to look beyond their behaviour and delve into why they do what they do.

• The 3Ps framework has the potential to enhance coaches’ development by encouraging deeper reflection on how they plan, process and perform – before, during and after training.

• This tool could serve as an alternative to competency-based behavioural observation, providing a more nuanced analysis of coaching behaviour.

• The 3Ps framework aims to delve beyond what coaches are doing and encourage investigation into why they are doing it. This means a certain level of expertise is needed to use it effectively.

Part 1: What is coach development?
Observational tools like competency-based assessment have the potential to help coaches and researchers analyse and reflect on what happens on the pitch. However, coach development requires a holistic approach that encompasses all areas of the coach’s work, including coaching that takes place away from the training ground. As part of that approach, it is crucial to look beyond what coaches are doing and try to dissect why they are doing it, thus emphasising the distinction between what coaches do and how they think.

Part 2: Building the observational framework
As the name suggests, the 3Ps framework comprises three main components: Procedure, which focuses on the basic competencies or “best practice” underlying the coach’s work; Planning, which often takes place away from the pitch and is underpinned by deliberative thinking; and Process, which focuses on dynamic interactions and the ability to adapt quickly and intuitively during practice. This approach not only captures the complexities of coaching but also provides a flexible structure that can be tailored to various coaching contexts.

Part 3: Findings
Research found that coach developers using the 3Ps framework began to deliberately reflect on what they were seeing and why, naturally shifting from a competency-orientated approach towards more structured observations. This methodology appeared to foster a deeper understanding of coach behaviour for coaches and coach developers. However, it was found to be less effective for beginners or coaches who lacked self-awareness, suggesting that the 3Ps framework requires a certain level of expertise on the part of the people using it.

Paper citation and link
Taylor, J., MacNamara, Á., Collins, D, 2023, “The 3Ps: a tool for coach observation”, Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, vol 4.

You can read the full paper here.