Using artificial intelligence-enhanced video feedback for reflective practice in coach development: benefits and potential drawbacks

ABSTRACT

Sports coaching has used video feedback for decades to improve athlete and coach performance. More recently, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine-learning technologies have enabled analytics alongside visual review to accelerate development further. So too in coaching conversations, software allows the implementation of behavioural analytics, tracking speech patterns, body language and facial expressions to deliver performance data measured against core coaching competencies. In this study, we interviewed 15 coaches who used AI-enhanced video review software in coaching sessions with clients over several weeks and reflected on those sessions using the recordings and AI-generated data. Our aim was to discover the benefits and drawbacks of using such an approach in reflective practice. Clear benefits emerged: insights gained from video and data analysis drove deeper reflection and heightened self-awareness; coaches focused on skills development, made specific changes to their practice, developed over time and gained in confidence. Challenges included coaches’ nervousness around using new technology, viewing and analysing their own performance, and a sense that the software does not understand the subtle nuances and context of conversations. Limitations are discussed as well as the implications for coach training, reflective practice and supervision. We suggest possibilities for further study in this area.

KEYWORDS:

• Artificial intelligence
• coach development
• coaching
• coaching skills
• reflective practice
• video feedback

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

James Bridgeman

James Bridgeman is co-editor of the Association for Coaching’s Coaching Perspectives magazine and is a coach, mentor, trainer-facilitator and leadership consultant with twenty years’ prior experience in digital transformation, broadcast and journalism. He is director of Bridgford Consultancy, providing executive coaching alongside people skills and leadership training. He trained as an executive coach while working for the BBC, coaching leaders there for several years before leaving to focus on executive and team coaching. He holds a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology from the University of East London.

Andrea Giraldez-Hayes

Dr Andrea Giraldez-Hayes is an experienced coaching psychologist, supervisor, lecturer and consultant with an international reputation who helps individuals and organisations to flourish. She is a Chartered Psychologist (British Psychological Society), BPS-Registered Applied Psychology Practitioner Supervisor (RAPPS), Master Practitioner Coach and Supervisor (EMCC) and Professional Certified Coach, Mentor and Supervisor (ICF). She is currently Programme director for the MSc in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology at the University of East London. Andrea applies a creative and integrative approach to coaching clients and supervising individuals and groups by conveying the power of arts, coaching, and positive psychology.