Vol 14, Issue 1, No 6, July 2026

“The Coach at the Centre”: A Grounded Theory Explaining How Conceptual Model of Football Contribute Team Performance

Mohar Kassim, Ahmad Fadzlee Ahmad Idriss & Ahmad Effendy Abdul Razak

Defence Fitness Academy

National Defence University of Malaysia

DOI: http://doi.org/10.47836.14.1.06

ABSTRACT

This study aims to develop a grounded theory explaining how a conceptual model of football coaching influences team performance. While there is no grounded theory that systematically explains the coaching process. There are two main objectives of this research. Firstly, to develop a conceptual model in shaping team outcomes and performance and secondly, to contribute practical insights that may inform coaching education, leadership development, and football management. This study was adopting a qualitative research design which is appropriate for developing a conceptual model in the lived experiences of the respondents. Using grounded theory methodology, data were collected through semi-structured interviews, technique which involves football coaches (n=10) at state and national level.  Following grounded theory procedures started from Open coding to identify initial categories, and next step Axial coding to connect categories and subcategories and final steps are Selective coding to develop a central theory explaining the role of the coach at the centre of team performance. The resulting theory identifies the coach as the central figure who integrates tactical, psychological, and motivational elements to enhance team performance. The central theory of this study shows that the coaches act as the interpretive hub, whose conceptual model provides the framework for aligning training, tactics, and communication, which in turn fosters cohesion and collective performance. The significance of the findings shows that this study provides a framework for understanding coaching competencies and offers practical insights for improving team outcomes in football.

Keywords: Coaches, Grounded Theory, Qualitative, Football, Conceptual Model.