The Role Of Coaches In Producing Basketball Athletes With Superior Character

Nur Afikoh; Anggit Wicaksono

doi:10.26858/cpjok.v18i2.793

Authors

Nur Afikoh Universitas Negeri Semarang Author
Anggit Wicaksono Universitas Negeri Semarang Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26858/cpjok.v18i2.793

Keywords:

Coach Role; Character Development; Basketball; Youth Athlete; Holistic Coaching

Abstract

This study aims to explore the role of coaches in developing character among young basketball athletes through a holistic and athlete-centered coaching approach. Character development in youth sports has become an important issue in contemporary sport pedagogy, particularly in basketball academies that emphasize not only technical performance but also psychosocial growth. However, many youth sport programs still prioritize competitive achievement over character formation. Therefore, this study investigates how coaches contribute to shaping discipline, responsibility, confidence, and teamwork among young basketball athletes. This research employed a qualitative case study design conducted at Brave Basketball Academy in Semarang, Indonesia. Six participants consisting of head coaches, assistant coaches, and athletes aged 4–12 years were involved in the study. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentation. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis involving coding, categorization, and interpretation of recurring themes. Trustworthiness was ensured through triangulation of sources and methods. The findings reveal that coaches play multidimensional roles as instructors, motivators, role models, mediators, and character educators. Character development was fostered through consistent habituation, role modeling, positive reinforcement, educational reward–punishment systems, and structured training sessions. Collaboration with parents also emerged as a significant factor influencing athlete motivation and behavioral outcomes. Athletes demonstrated improvements in discipline, focus, teamwork, confidence, and responsibility, although the pace of development varied among individuals. This study concludes that holistic coaching approaches significantly contribute to character formation in youth basketball athletes. The findings imply that basketball academies should integrate character education systematically into training programs and strengthen coach–parent collaboration to optimize athlete development.

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