In pursuit of creative coaching: An action research design

Coach education is yet to provide the needed attention to creative thinking. This work is therefore focused on cultivating sport coaches' ability to think creatively. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop coaches' creative practice, through an exploration of the Propulsion Model of Creativity. The study followed an action research design within four cycles. Fours head coaches from different sports (Rugby, Tennis, Football and Hockey) were recruited. At the initiation of each cycle, participants attended a focus group, in which theoretical concepts that informed the cycle were introduced. Following this, the participants were observed and interviewed, where their interpretation of the presented concept(s) in their everyday coaching settings was further explored. The findings of the study revealed that coaches were reluctant to change their practice and perceive themselves as lacking agency to think and act creatively.  Whilst thinking with the Propulsional Model of Creativity led to some changes in coaches' creative practice, these were mostly superficial and technical. The value of the work lies in laying the foundations for the study of creativity in coaches' practice, with particular emphasis to the tensions between structure and agency in the quest for creative practice.