Influence of coaching experience on in-game adaptability and decision-making among basketball coaches

This study examined how coaching experience influences in-game adaptability and decision-making among basketball coaches. Twenty-four male coaches (12 elite, 12 novice) participated in a mixed-methods investigation combining game observations, video-based decision-making simulations, eye-tracking assessments, and stimulated recall interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance, while qualitative interviews were examined through thematic analysis to explore underlying cognitive processes. Results showed that elite coaches demonstrated significantly greater tactical adaptability, higher decision accuracy, faster reaction times, and more efficient visual attention patterns compared with novice coaches (all p < 0.001). Thematic findings revealed that elite coaches employed proactive, context-sensitive strategies supported by anticipatory awareness and experience-based pattern recognition, whereas novice coaches relied more on reactive and rigid approaches. These results provide novel empirical evidence linking coaching experience with cognitive-perceptual adaptability during real competitive conditions. The findings highlight the importance of developing perceptual-cognitive and decision-making adaptability within coach education programs to enhance tactical flexibility and game management effectiveness.