NLP: A Constraints-Led Approach

In December 2016, I completed my Masters in Science of Soccer Coaching from Ohio University. One of the graduation requirements was to write a research paper on any topic that we wanted as long as it pertained to some aspect of coaching.

For the last year or so, I have been asking myself more and more questions about the highly suggested 'player-centered' coaching methodology. There is no denying the fact that building training sessions around the concept of 'let the game be the teacher' makes perfect sense, however, I guess my interest was revolving around the question, "what are the scientific underpinnings of the 'player-centered' coaching methodology?" Ultimately, that question is what led me to learning about Nonlinear Pedagogy or NLP.

In the end, I developed a research proposal on NLP and I wanted to share it with the soccer community. When reading, it is important to note that the paper is a proposal, and the actual 'research' was not conducted. So when reading, please take note that any 'statistical information' without reference are essentially my potential projections if the research were to be conducted. In essence, the idea was to build a possible framework for a full research project in the future. However, most notably, the introduction and the literature review clearly defines and identifies the details of NLP as they pertain to soccer coaching.

There are many dreams and aspirations that I have as a soccer coach, however, at my core, a value of mine is to help contribute to the growth of soccer in the United States. If by sharing this paper one soccer coach is able to generate a new train of thought or question regarding their coaching philosophy, training methodology, or general knowledge, then I deem this a total success.

All I ask is that is for the readers to respect the time and effort that went into compiling all of the research and books that I read through on Nonlinear Pedagogy, and to please not alter or use the paper outside of your own knowledge growth.

Please click the link for my paper on Nonlinear Pedagogy: A Constraints-Led Approach

If anyone would like to discuss the topic in further detail, reach out and lets help grow the game!

Yours in Soccer,