My main research interests lie in sports coaching and pedagogy. Currently my main focus is on exploring the pedagogical practice of sport coaches using the work of Lev Vygotsky. Specifically, how coaches can develop and create optimal learning environments for players of all levels of ability. The focus of my doctoral work was on player development at mini rugby level (7-11 years old) in England. The research has led to the implementation of new laws of play at these age groups. The work has also been published in journals and has been well received at National and International conferences.
https://www.englandrugby.com/my-rugby/coaches/new-rules-of-play/
Publications
Mouchet, A., Morgan, K. & Morgan, K., Mouchet, A., &
Thomas, G. Ll. (in press). Coaches’ perceptions of decision making in rugby union, Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy.
Mouchet, A., Morgan, K. &
Thomas, G. Ll. (2018). Pyschophenomenology and the explicitation interview for accessing subjective lived experience in sport coaching,
Sport, Education and Society, DOI: 10.1080/13573322.2018.1495189
Jones, R. L, Thomas, G. Ll., Nunes, R. L. & Viotto Filho, I.A.T. (2018). The importance of history, language, change and challenge: What Vygotsky can teach sports coaches.
Motriz. Revista de Educação Física, 24:2, DOI: 10.1590/s1980-6574201800020008
Thomas, G.Ll., Coles, T. & Wilson, M.R. (2016). Exploring mini rugby union coaches' perceptions of competitive activities.
Sports Coaching Review. DOI: 10.1080/21640629.2016.1244425
Jones, R. L & Thomas, G. Ll. (2015). Coaching as 'scaffolded' practice: further insights into sport pedagogy,
Sports Coaching Review, 4:2, 65-79, DOI: 10.1080/21640629.2016.1157321.
Thomas, G. Ll., & Wilson, M. R. (2015). Playing by the rules: A developmentally appropriate introduction to rugby union.
International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching,10:2+3, 413-423.
Thomas, G. Ll. & Wilson, M.R. (2014). Exploring a competitive developmental pathway for childhood rugby union.
Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health. DOI.10.1080/2159676X.2013.819373
Thomas, G. Ll., Morgan, K. & Mesquita, I. (2013). Examining the implementation of a TGfU approach in junior rugby using a reflective practice design.
Sports Coaching Review.
Book chapters
Corsby, C., Thomas, G. Ll. & Santos, M. (in press) Coach Education: (Re)conceptualising How Coaches Learn in Rui and Rui Gomes (Eds.) Coaching for Human Development and Performance in Sports. Springer.
Thomas, G.Ll., Morgan K., & Harris, K. (2016). Application of Albert Bandura's work to coaching. In L.Nelson, P.Potrac & R. Groom (Eds.),
Learning in sports coaching: Theory and application. London: Routledge. 22-33.
Jones, R.L.,
Thomas, G.Ll., Felix, T., Viotto Filho, T., & Edwards, C.. (2016) Yrjö Engeström, activity theory and coaching. L.Nelson, P.Potrac & R. Groom (Eds.),
Learning in sports coaching: Theory and application. London: Routledge. 113-122.
Invited conference presentations
Thomas, G.L., (2014).
Tactical & skill development through game centred approaches: Scaffolding coaching practice. Paper presented at the 'Youth Talent ID & Development Conference', Cape Town, South Africa.
Thomas, G.L., Wilson, M.R., Coles, T.E., (2014).
Introducing children to rugby: Shaping the game, retaining players and developing talent. Paper presented at the 'Youth Talent ID & Development Conference', Cape Town, South Africa.
Other conference presentations
Thomas, G.Ll., & Bailey J., (2019). An exploration of the role of scaffolding during preparation for an elite gymnastics competition from a socio-pedagogical perspective. Cluster for Research into Coaching (CriC) 5th International Coaching Conference, Worcester, UK.
Thomas, G.Ll., & Jones R.L., (2015). Scaffolding Coaching Practice. Third International Coaching Conference, Crewe, UK.
Thomas, G.L., Coles, T.E., Wilson, M.R., (2013).
Introducing children to rugby: Exploring mini rugby coaches' views on U9 rugby. Paper presented at the 'Second International Coaching Conference', Crewe, UK.
Thomas, G.L. & Wilson, M.R. (2012).
Producing a developmentally appropriate game for under-9 rugby union players. Presentation given at the 'ICSEMIS convention' in Glasgow, Scotland.
Thomas, G.L. & Wilson, M.R. (2012).
Producing a developmentally appropriate game for under-11 rugby union players. Presentation given at the British Psychological Society, Expertise and Skill Acquisition Network Annual Meeting, Liverpool, England.
