title: Aligning the talent pathway: exploring the role and mechanisms of coherence in development.
abstract: Although our understanding of psychological and social factors in talent development continues to expand, knowledge of the broader system that underpins the entire talent pathways is relatively limited. Indeed, little work has moved beyond the recognition that coherence in this system is important to consider how this may be achieved; particularly in relation to coherent coaching. As such, the aim of this article was to address gaps in talent development and coaching literature and explore principles and potential mechanisms of coherent coaching in sport organisations' talent pathways. After defining and contextualising coherence in whole talent pathways, including barriers to attainment, we discuss how an understanding of coach epistemology can provide a basis for integrating personal and collective coach coherence and therefore a coherent performer experience. With epistemology as our focal point, we then consider how coherent coaching may be supported through the strategic recruitment and placement of coaches, complimentary coach education and development and the use of change agents who can set and shape the coaching milieu, facilitate cross-level communication and enable epistemology-focused reflection and evaluation. Finally, we conclude with some brief recommendations for advancing practically-meaningful knowledge in this important area.
authors.affiliation: a British Cycling , Manchester , UK.|b Institute of Coaching and Performance , University of Central Lancashire , Preston , UK.
authors.forename: Vincent
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Webb
authors.affiliation: b Institute of Coaching and Performance , University of Central Lancashire , Preston , UK.|c Grey Matters for Performance Ltd , Stratford-upon-Avon , UK.
authors.forename: Dave
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Collins
authors.affiliation: b Institute of Coaching and Performance , University of Central Lancashire , Preston , UK.|c Grey Matters for Performance Ltd , Stratford-upon-Avon , UK.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cruickshank
mesh_terms: D000124:Achievement; D001076:Aptitude; D003142:Communication; D006801:Humans; D019359:Knowledge; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D013177:Sports / Q000193:education*
keywords: Talent development; change agents; coach management; epistemology; pathway management