Whenever I hear someone refer to themselves as a pioneer of remote coaching I have to remind folks I have been doing remote work for 35 years via the internet and phone calls with the old VHS Cassette tapes! I run into all sorts of misguided people who think the pro has to be present for an athlete to learn anything. If a pro is good at explaining (big if), you have a good wifi connection, and you do not want to spend a fortune, you can get video coaching for less than half price of an in person lesson, and get that coaching from the best in the business, instead of someone locally who may not have the teaching and coaching experience.
Below is a post from 2014 recycled.(BZT-Before Zoom too!) I began phone coaching by phone in early 1990 and morphed into the internet coaching in 2004 and went into the online coaching business 17 years ago.
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In the 1990s I pioneered this without realizing it! Out of necessity I had to communicate regularly with USA Racquetball Team members. I called each player once per month and I got VHS tapes of pro stops and discussed strategies with players. Later, in 2004, I decided to investigate online technologies and today I coach up folks I have never been on the court with. Check out #3-with academic study to back up what I intuitively already know!
Below is from a study completed years ago regarding long distance coaching!
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• 1. Working Definitions Technology Any device or instrument of artificial construction used in the field of coaching. Coaching An agreed to relationship between an athlete and another individual in regard to sport. Communication Any interaction between these two individuals in relation to the above relationship.
• 2. What can technology offer the modern sport coach? Long distance communication Real time feedback Perspective change Resource access Educational opportunities
• 3. Long distance communication
Athletes and coaches do not need to be in the same location to have a relationship. A coach can provide support from any location during competition. Training/game strategies, injury concerns and nutrition can all be discussed. Globalization of professional sport requires the evolution of sport coaching.
Lachance, A. (2009). Long Distance Coaching Using Todays Technology. Coaches Plan. Volume 16 (2).Over, S. & Sharp, B. (2008). Information Technology in Tennis. Coaching & Sport Science Review. Volume 45.