Fayyaz Ahmed, generally known as Fuzz, is the UK Athletics National Event Coach for High Jump, and the coach of Olympic bronze medallist Robbie Grabarz. Fuzz trained at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London and implements... more
Fayyaz Ahmed, generally known as Fuzz, is the UK Athletics National Event Coach for High Jump, and the coach of Olympic bronze medallist Robbie Grabarz. Fuzz trained at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London and implements RADA principles into his coaching. The aim of this study was to explore the complexities and shades of self, social interaction and micro-behaviour through an illumination of a case
study using this elite level coach. An interpretive phenomenological analysis using Goffman (1959) as a theoretical lens, explored Fuzz’s delivery through semi-structured interviews and observational field notes. We used a multifaceted approach in data interpretation, incorporating a deductive method alongside continual analysis and theme generation. The main findings, drawn from Goffman’s concepts of performance,
manner and front, highlight the intricacies of the coach–athlete relationship and the continual development of the coaching persona.
study using this elite level coach. An interpretive phenomenological analysis using Goffman (1959) as a theoretical lens, explored Fuzz’s delivery through semi-structured interviews and observational field notes. We used a multifaceted approach in data interpretation, incorporating a deductive method alongside continual analysis and theme generation. The main findings, drawn from Goffman’s concepts of performance,
manner and front, highlight the intricacies of the coach–athlete relationship and the continual development of the coaching persona.
Research Interests:
A range of cognitive skills that support the development of sport potential have been suggested to be important for athletes and coaches. This study explored performers’ psychological characteristics within orienteers. The psychological... more
A range of cognitive skills that support the development of sport potential have been suggested to be important for athletes and coaches. This study explored performers’ psychological characteristics within orienteers. The psychological skills of World Elite orienteers and athletes in the National Junior Squads of both Great Britain and Switzerland were
assessed using the six-factor Psychological Characteristics of Excellence Questionnaire. Data suggested that, as juniors, elite orienteers reported less support for long-term success than the Swiss juniors, perhaps because of the earlier adoption of self-coaching, but were not significantly different from either junior group on all other factors. British juniors
were not significantly different from the other two groups on any factor. Follow-up qualitative approaches explored possible reasons for the World Elites’ early reliance on ‘‘self’’ rather than ‘‘other’’, the role of the coach and the self-coaching phenomenon. The role of orienteering in developing these skills is also discussed along with unique psychological challenges faced by high performing orienteers.
assessed using the six-factor Psychological Characteristics of Excellence Questionnaire. Data suggested that, as juniors, elite orienteers reported less support for long-term success than the Swiss juniors, perhaps because of the earlier adoption of self-coaching, but were not significantly different from either junior group on all other factors. British juniors
were not significantly different from the other two groups on any factor. Follow-up qualitative approaches explored possible reasons for the World Elites’ early reliance on ‘‘self’’ rather than ‘‘other’’, the role of the coach and the self-coaching phenomenon. The role of orienteering in developing these skills is also discussed along with unique psychological challenges faced by high performing orienteers.