Tactical and assessment competency gaps in pre-service coaches: evidence from a game-based implementation

Abstract

Abstract This study examined tactical and assessment competency gaps in pre-service coaches within a structured game-based implementation context. An Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods design was employed. In the quantitative phase, 40 pre-service candidates (24 Physical Education Teacher Education [PET], 16 Coach Education [CE]) were evaluated using the Educational Game Playing Skill Observation Scale, assessing preparation, implementation, and evaluation competencies. The qualitative phase involved semi-structured interviews with expert academics to provide contextual explanation of the quantitative findings. Results indicated that CE students outperformed PET students in game management and organizational dimensions. However, both groups demonstrated substantial deficiencies in higher-order tactical and assessment competencies, particularly in reflective evaluation, post-game analysis, and in-game tactical facilitation. Effect sizes were in the small-to-medium range yet consistently indicated structural competency gaps extending beyond technical proficiency. These findings suggest that current coach education pathways insufficiently develop tactical facilitation and evaluative expertise within game-based instructional practices. Systematic curricular integration of practice-based modules explicitly targeting tactical intervention and performance evaluation is recommended.