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An Exploration of the Existence and Development of Shared Understanding between Football Dyads. By Michael Kevin Malone School of Social and Health Sciences A Doctoral Thesis Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Doctor of Philosophy of Abertay University Declaration I, Michael Malone, hereby certify that this thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Abertay University, is wholly my own work unless otherwise referenced or acknowledged. This work has not been submitted for any other qualification at any other academic institution. Signed [candidates signature]…………………………………………………. Date……………………………………………………………………………….. Supervisor’s declaration: I, Dr Ross Lorimer hereby certify that the candidate has fulfilled the conditions of the Resolution and Regulations appropriate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy of Abertay University and that the candidate is qualified to submit this thesis in application for that degree. Signed [Principal Supervisors signature]……………………………………... Date……………………………………………………………………………….. Certificate of Approval Text as below… I certify that this is a true and accurate version of the thesis approved by the examiners, and that all relevant ordinance regulations have been fulfilled. Supervisor…………………………………………………………………..……. Date……………………………………………………………………………….. ii Acknowledgements Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that – Bill Shankly. I would like to take the opportunity to thank those that have helped me during my PhD: Firstly, I would like to thank my supervisor Dr Ross Lorimer for his continual advice, guidance and encouragement throughout my PhD. I would not have been able to complete my PhD without such a supportive supervisor and I appreciate everything that he has done for me throughout my whole time at Abertay University. I would also like to thank my second supervisor Dr Scott Hardie whose advice, support and suggestions was invaluable to the completion of my PhD. It has been a pleasure to work with you both throughout my PhD and I will always be grateful to your crucial part in my successful completion. I would also like to thank my fellow postgraduate students at Abertay University who I have done my PhD alongside. It has been a pleasure working with and getting to know you all. You have all showed me great support throughout my thesis in so many different ways including offering help during times of hardship. I want to say a huge thank you to my parents who not only supported me psychologically, they also helped me with almost my whole funding for the PhD and for that I am eternally grateful. I would like to thank the rest of my family including my fiancée Rachel who have provided phenomenal support and reassurance throughout my PhD. You guys helped to push me to work harder to be able to get my work done. I would like to thank all my friends who have also supported me throughout my studies. I would like to give a special thanks to my good friend Ross Kilvington who has helped me so much throughout my time at Abertay University including through PhD. I would like to thank all the football teams, managers and players who gave up their time to take part in this research. Without their huge contribution, this thesis would not have been possible. I would like to say a special thank you to Ferry Athletic Boy’s Club who not only provided me with participants for each of my three studies, but they also provided me with some funding to be able to do this PhD. iii Abstract The purpose of this programme of research was to investigate the existence and development of shared understanding between football dyads through quantitative and qualitative research methods. Research has considered the importance of shared understanding between team members (Williamson and Cox 2014, Gershgoren et al. 2016) but rarely dyads within teams (i.e. Blickensderfer et al. 2010). Study One attempted to establish the existence of shared understanding between twenty football dyads. Study Two explored the levels of shared understanding displayed by forty-five defensive football dyads in game situations that had either a clear correct course of action or when there was no clear correct course of action. Through an interview-based approach, Study Three investigated potential factors that could contribute to the development of shared understanding between football dyads, based on the suggestions of twelve football players. Through these different methods, the three studies have provided evidence to support the existence and development of shared understanding between football dyads. The main findings of the thesis (a) shared understanding exists between dyads who have experience performing together, (b) when dyads are in a situation where there is a clear and correct option available, they are more likely to choose the same option based on their own individual experience, (c) when dyads are in a situation where there is no clear and correct option available, they are more likely to pick the same option based on their experience performing together, (d) experience performing together, having an efficient relationship with their partner, effective communication methods between one another and the role of the coach facilitated the development of shared understanding between dyads and (e) these factors facilitate an effective shared mental model between dyads. iv List of Contents Declaration ....................................................................................................................... ii Acknowledgements ......................................................................................................... iii Abstract ............................................................................................................................ iv List of Contents ................................................................................................................. v List of Figures .................................................................................................................. ix List of Tables ................................................................................................................... ix Chapter 1 – The Importance of Performing Specific Roles to Achieve an Effective Performance ...................................................................................................................... 1 1.0 Underdog Success in Football ................................................................................. 1 1.1 The Importance of Working as a Team ................................................................... 6 1.2 Sub-Teams ............................................................................................................. 18 1.3 Chapter Summary .................................................................................................. 21 Chapter 2 – An Assessment of the Importance of Shared Understanding in Team Sport ......................................................................................................................................... 24 2.0 The Differences between a Group and a Team ..................................................... 24 2.1 What is a Team? .................................................................................................... 30 2.2 Qualities of a Successful Team ............................................................................. 31 2.3 Team Cohesion ...................................................................................................... 35 2.4 Effective Methods of Communication between Football Players ......................... 44 2.5 Communication between Team Members............................................................. 49 2.6 Implicit Coordination ............................................................................................ 57 2.7 Importance of Shared Knowledge ......................................................................... 65 2.8 Shared Understanding between Team Members ................................................... 68 2.9 Shared Mental Models .......................................................................................... 74 2.10 The Importance of Coach-Athlete Relationship in Developing Shared Understanding between Football Players .................................................................... 88 2.11 Conclusion ........................................................................................................... 93 2.12 The Current Research ........................................................................................ 100 Chapter 3 – The Existence of Shared Understanding within Football Dyads. ............. 107 3.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 107 3.1 Task Work Mental Model ................................................................................... 111 v 3.2 Team Work Mental Model .................................................................................. 111 3.3 The Current Chapter ............................................................................................ 115 3.4 Methodology ........................................................................................................... 116 3.4.1 Participants ......................................................................................................

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