Coaching efficacy in the esports environment: analysis by education level, classification, competitive videogame and physical status

Abstract

The figure of the esports coach is reaching a fundamental relevance nowadays. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyse the effectiveness of professional and amateur esports coaches considering their educational level, their coach classification, their competitive video game and their physical status. Sixty-two coaches (25.81 ± 3.37 years) completed the Coaching Efficacy Scale. Esports coaches have average values close to seven in all four dimensions of this scale (Motivation 6.89 ± 1.14; Strategy 7.09 ± 1.17; Technique 6.72 ± 1.22; Character 7.02 ± 1.20), which are closely related to players’ performance and health. Moreover, the educational level (p < .01) or lifestyle (p < .01) are highlighted as elements that influence coaches’ performance. The type of video game is important as well, since higher general values were found for Valorant coaches compared to other videogames (p < .05), placing great importance on the experience dimension in amateur coaches. This is the first reference values on self-efficacy in esports coaches, information of great utility for clubs and players to understand potential strengths or weaknesses of their coaches and to identify future talents.