EXPLORING DIMENSIONS OF INTELLIGENCE FOR EFFECTIVE COMBAT SPORTS COACHING IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper examined some facets of aptitudes required by combat sports coaches to function effectively in the coaching career. The study examined three dimensions of intelligence viz, academic intelligence, professional intelligence, and emotional intelligence. It discussed these three dimensions of intelligence vis-à-vis their contribution to the success of combat sports coaching profession. The study involved a review of literature on the dynamics of coaching in the face of multiple aptitudes such as cognitive, practical, and affective mastery. The paper reviewed the benefits of being academically, professionally, and emotionally intelligent, and further examined how these dimensions of intelligence can contribute to the success of combat sports coaching. Drawing from current on-field experience and practices in combat sports coaching in Nigeria, the paper recommended that coaches should, at all times, bring these three dimensions of intelligence to bear in the discharge of their coaching duties. It is expected that when this is done, combat sports coaches will become more proficient in the overall discharge of their duties and become more impactful in the sports industry.