Dr. Taysir Al-Mansi: Sports Coaching Between Science and Practice
Dr. Taysir Al-Mansi began his career as an athlete before transitioning into coaching, gaining diverse experiences through coaching in both Germany and Jordan. He notes that German coaches are characterized by extreme discipline and seriousness, which significantly influenced his coaching style and his approach to developing athletes.
Coaching science is one of the fastest-evolving fields, with new concepts and strategies emerging every year. Dr. Al-Mansi emphasizes that a successful coach is one who keeps up with the latest scientific research and applies modern principles in training.
Dr. Al-Mansi believes that an academic coach is superior because they rely on precise scientific foundations and connect training with other fields such as physiology, nutrition, and sports psychology. Coaching is not just physical practice—it is an integrated combination of sciences that contribute to enhancing athletic performance.
Dr. Al-Mansi stresses that any coach who strays from scientific principles may cause physical and athletic harm to trainees. Therefore, adherence to proper training foundations is non-negotiable.
With technological advancements, smart devices have become an integral part of sports. Tools such as heart rate monitors and load-planning technologies allow coaches to design more accurate and effective training programs. New academic fields such as IT Sport and Sport Engineering focus on developing sports devices and digital programs to enhance athletic performance.
Even coaches with academic certifications in sports need to attend specialized training courses. These provide complementary knowledge to their academic education and help them stay at the forefront of the field.
Athletic talent is typically discovered between the ages of 10 and 20. Studies show that identifying a rare sports talent requires extensive scouting among thousands of athletes. Research indicates that out of every 10,000 players, there may be only one potential Olympic champion.
Dr. Al-Mansi believes that Jordan lacks specialized sports schools. He aspires to establish schools or sports classes that support talented athletes, contributing to national sports development and preparing generations capable of competing internationally.
An ideal training system consists of three main elements:
Three essential qualities every successful coach should possess:
Some traits should be avoided as they negatively affect a coach’s performance and credibility:
Sports coaching is a blend of science and practice. Success requires academic knowledge, practical skills, and the ability to adapt to modern developments. By adhering to scientific principles, utilizing technology, and committing to continuous learning, coaches can build a successful career and contribute to the development of sports both locally and internationally.
