What if a coach's leadership style influenced the severity of his players' injuries, beyond their motivation or performance? This is what researcher Jan Ekstrand explored in a study. From 2012 to 2016, the Sweden followed 36 professional teams from 17 European countries as part of the UEFA Elite Club Injury Study, to examine whether coach leadership styles correlated with severe injuries (more than 28 days out) and player availability in training and matches. The results were very interesting. The study revealed that teams whose coaches adopted a more transformational leadership style had fewer severe injuries and a higher attendance rate in training. Certain behaviors are even associated with a significant reduction by the specialist: "Giving a clear and positive vision of the future, supporting and valuing staff members, encouraging cooperation and trust in the team, stimulating innovative thinking and being exemplary in one's values and actions." In conclusion, "supportive, clear and cooperative leadership could reduce perceived stress, strengthen psychological safety and better balance the mental and physical load." On the other hand, charismatic leadership alone does not seem to have any effect on the health or availability of players.
Coach leadership and injuries: an underestimated link? A study by Jan Ekstrand reveals that teams whose coaches adopt a more transformational leadership style have fewer injuries / ©Icon Sport