THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF A BRAZILIAN COACH IN HIGH-PERFORMANCE TENNIS

Abstract

This study aimed to identify and analyze the content developed in competitive Rhythmic Gymnastics (RG) sports initiation. We interviewed six coaches who worked in basic categories of medalist clubs in the 2019 Brazilian RG Championships. From the thematic analysis, five themes emerged: (1) Specialize versus Expand: factors that limit and contribute to physical-motor development in RG sports initiation; (2) Body positioning is a “rule” in RG; (3) Body difficulties: training to learn or training to compete?; (4) From an accessory element to an essential element: the valorization of RG's apparatus; (5) Within the rules and outside of training: The artistic component in RG. We suggest that the content must respect gymnasts’ characteristics, their health, long-term training, and their integral development. As they are children, results would not be a priority at this stage, and the content should be established based on the RG’s future vision.

Keywords:
Rhythmic gymnastics; Sports initiation; Youth athletes; Sport pedagogy.