Abstract - Bridging the Gap Awareness, Needs, and Impact of Technical Reports in Japanese Women’s Wrestling – Insights from Olympic Gold Medalists and National Coaches
Background. This study focuses on the use of Technical Reports (TRs) in wrestling – documents that synthesize research insights relevant to enhancing athletic performance. Despite their potential value, the utilization and awareness of TRs among athletes and coaches remain unclear.
Problem and aim. The researchers aimed to evaluate the awareness, usage, and effectiveness of TRs among elite Japanese women wrestlers and their coaches. They also sought to explore how athletes and coaches perceive their own wrestling styles.
Material and methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six participants – three Olympic Gold Medalist wrestlers and three national coaches – to gather insights about their awareness and use of TRs and their perceptions of effective wrestling styles.
Results. Results revealed that none of the participants were aware of TRs, but expressed interest in using them for various purposes such as generating practice schedules and in-game tactics, after being introduced to the concept. Wrestlers showed a greater focus on technique in wrestling styles, while coaches stressed the mental aspects.
Conclusions. This study uncovers that Technical Reports (TRs) are underutilized in Japanese women’s wrestling due to unrecognized potential and lack of awareness. It shows contrasting emphasis on wrestling styles, with the athletes prioritizing technique and the coaches prioritizing mental aspects. The findings call for the creation of TRs that align with user needs and incorporate diverse perspectives to prevent discrepancy between their intended and actual impacts.