Conor Chaplin is a 17-year-old striker for Portsmouth FC playing at an elite level. The coaching log observed Conor's strengths in detail at a match and found opportunities to improve observations by getting closer to the pitch. Future discussions with Conor and his coach aim to further understand his psychological state and progress in strengthening skills.

1. Unit 27
Task 2 – Coaching Log

2. Athlete Introduction
• Name: Conor Chaplin
• Gender: Male
• Date of birth:16/02/97
• Age: 17
• Height:5’5
• Weight:64kg
• BMI:85th percentile, very
good BMI.
• Sport:Football
• Position: Striker
• Level: Elite

3. Coaching Log – Athlete Observation
Date 16-11/12/14
Location Fratton Park
Strengths My observations were all first hand and I was able to take videos and pictures of Conor whilst he way playing. Looking
in lots of detail at his positions on the pitch corresponding with the ball and then looking at his movement and timing of
runs. I was also able to take detailed notes whilst he was playing also.
I was able to speak to Conor before and after games also, finding out about his anxiety levels and seeing how he felt
about his performances.
As I was there with others I could see if my opinions corresponded with other peoples thoughts and opinions, like
fellow youth team players and the other his coaches.
Improvement Areas I would of liked to of been a bit closer to the pitch, so I could see if Conor felt tired and if he was feeling as if he needed
to be substituted. I also wasn’t able to speak to him at half time to see how positive or how negative he was feeling ,
which is another improvement area. I wasn’t able to measure psychological areas and I was able to look at the
physiological areas, like heart rate etc.
Points for future
discussion
How well Conor perceived he played is definitely a talking point. There are other talking points also such as how the
other players and the manager thought that he played. Areas of Conor’s game that he thought he did well. How I could
of got closer to the pitch to make a more In depth analysis. How I could of made my notes more in depth and how I
could make my photos and videos longer and clearer.
Possible actions arising Next time I would very much like to get closer to the pitch to get a closer analysis on Conor, this would then improve
the quality of my notes. I could then take a higher quality camera, so my photos and videos are easier to analyse. I
would then want to get recorded interviews with Conor, another team mate and the manager, post a prior to the
game, rather than having to take notes, to improve the reliability and validity. I need to do further research in the
psychological elements of football, such as anxiety to see if they would relate to Conor.

4. Coaching Log – Athlete Profiling
Meeting
Date 16/12/14
Location My house.
Discussion
points
We spoke about how he felt when he was offered a pro contract, we then spoke about how
this season had been going so far, areas he thought he was strong in and areas he felt he
needed to develop and improve. We then went through the psychological aspects, such as
arousal levels and his anxiety, then went through sentimental elements such as people he
looks up to and favorite goals.
Concerns As we were both of a similar age, there were elements of the interview where a laugh was
shared, which can affect the reliability and validity of a study. However seriousness was
retained when it was a necessity.
Points for
future
discussion
We would discuss the games that he has taken part in in the period between the other
interview. I would then like to discuss what he has been doing to improve in his strengths and
then how he’s made his strengths even stronger. Then talk about how he is coping
psychologically with the stress of becoming a professional footballer and being away from
family etc.
Possible actions
arising
In the future I would simply want the interview to be done in a more professional
environment so the interview had an upper level of professionalism. Aside from that all the
information was gathered and the interview was a joy to partake in. I would however again,
need to research the psychological strains on a footballer, so I could quiz Conor on these and
see how he deals with them.

5. Coaching Log – Coach Profile Meeting
Date 16/12/14
Location Fratton Park and on the phone.
Discussion
points
We spoke about progress Conor has made since he started at Portsmouth FC and then
began on this season. As this season was key for Conor, recently gaining a pro contract, we
spoke about how hard he has been working on different areas to imrpove and then spoke
about how they went about giving Conor his pro contract. We then spoke about his
strengths and weaknesses, getting the ratings that I required, slightly touching on his
coaching techniques and if they differ for Conor than others.
Concerns There were not many concerns at all, the meeting was swift and professional. All the
areas were covered, he was extremely precise in the way that he spoke and delivered me
clear concise information.
Points for
future
discussion
Would be how much Conor has improved since the last meeting, seeing if some areas
have got worse also. I would then want to talk about Conors physiological areas and see if
they are at the level required to play at a high level.
Possible
actions arising
If I were to have the chance to do the meeting again, I would want it to be face to face
over a table, rather than briefly after a game and via the phone. However I did get the
information required I however didn’t get to meet face to face for as long as I wanted. I
would also want to research some more techniques for interviews and see if I could
improve the quality of my questions.