AI Coaching in Youth Sports

This project investigates how the growing use of AI tools by coaches impacts young athletes. Technological advancements are progressing rapidly — today’s AI systems can analyze training data, tactics, and movement patterns at a level that was previously unimaginable. At the same time, AI is expanding into domains traditionally regarded as uniquely human, such as mental, emotional, and social coaching.

This development presents new opportunities for enhancing athletic performance and increasing access to high-quality, individualized coaching for more young athletes. However, our understanding of the potential consequences for their development remains limited. For instance, how might motivation and well-being be affected when part of the coach–athlete relationship is replaced by a machine driven by artificial intelligence?

The project is conducted in collaboration with Dr. Jessica Navarro at Elon University and Professor Jonathan Tudge at the University of North Carolina.