Professor Cliff Mallett
Professor

Cliff Mallett

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Phone: 
+61 7 336 56765

Background

Professor Mallett has enjoyed a distinguished career in elite coaching and academia. Prof. Mallett was an Olympic and World Championship medal-winning coach and won a National university teaching award (2011). In 2017, he was awarded the prestigious August-Wilhelm Scheer Professorial Fellowship at Technische Universität München (TUM) in Germany. He developed a world-renowned online program in sports coaching and consults nationally and internationally to many elite sporting organisations. Prof. Mallett is a leading international scholar in two broad and interrelated research areas - sport psychology and coaching; specifically:

Understanding the person-in-context

  • Multi-layered understanding of the person-in-context (personality profiling of coaches and athletes)
  • Motivation of elite coaches and athletes (Self-Determination Theory - SDT);
  • Autonomy-supportive learning environments in sport (Self-Determination Theory - SDT);
  • Mental toughness in elite sport (coaches and athletes).
  • Players' leadership: A Social Identity Approach (SIA)

High Performance coach learning and development:

  • How high performance coaches learn in the workplace;
  • Coaches as sculptors, architects, performers and leaders.

In 2016, Professor Mallett led and completed an international research project examining what can we learn from some of the world's most successful coaches. Prof. Mallett was Chair and Co-Chair of the Research Committee for the International Council for Coaching Excellence (ICCE) from 2010-2019.

Background

Professor Cliff Mallett joined the School of Human Movement Studies in 2000 after a career in physical education and also in elite coaching as a National High Performance Coach in track and field with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS). He teaches undergraduate and graduate students and actively researches in the area of elite sport. Prof. Mallett regularly consults with elite coaches and athletes as well as coach developers in several national sporting organisations and international organisations.

Availability

Professor Cliff Mallett is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Health Sciences Psychology Sports science and exercise

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland

Research interests

  • Sport and performance psychology

  • Sport coaching

Research impacts

Professor Mallett's program of resaerch has informed both policy and practice in sports coaching, in both the youth development and elite sport sectors - nationally and internationally. He has published extensively in sport psychology and coaching to foster an evidence-based appraoch to coach learning, development, and subsequent practice to foster positive outcomes for all actors in the sport setting, especially the athletes.

Search Professor Cliff Mallett’s works on UQ eSpace

221 works between 1997 and 2025
All (221) Journal Article (125) Book Chapter (34) Conference Publication (51) Book (4) Other Outputs (7)

101 - 120 of 221 works

2014

Journal Article

The coaching behavior scale for sport: factor structure examination for Singaporean youth athletes

Koh, Koon Teck, Kawabata, Masato and Mallett, Clifford J. (2014). The coaching behavior scale for sport: factor structure examination for Singaporean youth athletes. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, 9 (6), 1311-1324. doi: 10.1260/1747-9541.9.6.1311

The coaching behavior scale for sport: factor structure examination for Singaporean youth athletes

2014

Journal Article

Adolescent performers' perspectives on mental toughness and its development: the utility of the bioecological model

Mahoney, John W., Gucciardi, Daniel F., Mallett, Clifford J. and Ntoumanis, Nikos (2014). Adolescent performers' perspectives on mental toughness and its development: the utility of the bioecological model. Sport Psychologist, 28 (3), 233-244. doi: 10.1123/tsp.2013-0050

Adolescent performers' perspectives on mental toughness and its development: the utility of the bioecological model

2014

Journal Article

Investigating the optimal psychological state for peak performance in Australian elite athletes

Anderson, Ruth, Hanrahan, Stephanie J. and Mallett, Clifford J. (2014). Investigating the optimal psychological state for peak performance in Australian elite athletes. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 26 (3), 318-333. doi: 10.1080/10413200.2014.885915

Investigating the optimal psychological state for peak performance in Australian elite athletes

2014

Journal Article

The motivational antecedents of the development of mental toughness: a self-determination theory perspective

Mahoney, John, Ntoumanis, Nikos, Mallett, Clifford and Gucciardi, Daniel (2014). The motivational antecedents of the development of mental toughness: a self-determination theory perspective. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 7 (1), 184-197. doi: 10.1080/1750984X.2014.925951

The motivational antecedents of the development of mental toughness: a self-determination theory perspective

2014

Journal Article

Mental toughness in sport: motivational antecedents and associations with performance and psychological health

Mahoney, John W., Gucciardi, Daniel F., Ntoumanis, Nikos and Mallet, Cliff J. (2014). Mental toughness in sport: motivational antecedents and associations with performance and psychological health. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 36 (3), 281-292. doi: 10.1123/jsep.2013-0260

Mental toughness in sport: motivational antecedents and associations with performance and psychological health

2014

Journal Article

The transition from elite junior track-and-field athlete to successful senior athlete: why some do, why others don't

Hollings, Stephen C., Mallett, Clifford J. and Hume, Patria A. (2014). The transition from elite junior track-and-field athlete to successful senior athlete: why some do, why others don't. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, 9 (3), 457-471. doi: 10.1260/1747-9541.9.3.457

The transition from elite junior track-and-field athlete to successful senior athlete: why some do, why others don't

2014

Journal Article

Autonomous and controlled motivational regulations for multiple health-related behaviors: between and within-participants analyses

Hagger, M. S., Hardcastle, S. J., Chater, A., Mallett, C., Pal, S. and Chatzisarantis, N. L. D. (2014). Autonomous and controlled motivational regulations for multiple health-related behaviors: between and within-participants analyses. Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine, 2 (1), 565-601. doi: 10.1080/21642850.2014.912945

Autonomous and controlled motivational regulations for multiple health-related behaviors: between and within-participants analyses

2014

Journal Article

Autonomy-supportive pedagogical approach to sports coaching: Research, challenges and opportunities

Occhino, Joseph L., Mallett, Clifford J., Rynne, Steven B. and Carlisle, Kristy N. (2014). Autonomy-supportive pedagogical approach to sports coaching: Research, challenges and opportunities. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, 9 (2), 401-415. doi: 10.1260/1747-9541.9.2.401

Autonomy-supportive pedagogical approach to sports coaching: Research, challenges and opportunities

2014

Journal Article

The concept of mental toughness: tests of dimensionality, nomological network, and traitness

Gucciardi, Daniel F., Hanton, Sheldon, Gordon, Sandy, Mallett, Clifford J. and Temby, Philip (2014). The concept of mental toughness: tests of dimensionality, nomological network, and traitness. Journal of Personality, 83 (1), 26-44. doi: 10.1111/jopy.12079

The concept of mental toughness: tests of dimensionality, nomological network, and traitness

2014

Conference Publication

Malaysian youth sporting experiences: do participants report positive youth development (5Cs)?

Razak, M. N. A., Mallett, C. and Rynne, S. B. (2014). Malaysian youth sporting experiences: do participants report positive youth development (5Cs)?. AIESEP World Congress, Auckland, New Zealand, 10-13 February 2014.

Malaysian youth sporting experiences: do participants report positive youth development (5Cs)?

2014

Book Chapter

Motivation in sport: a self-determination theory perspective

Ntoumanis, Nikos and Mallett, Clifford J. (2014). Motivation in sport: a self-determination theory perspective. Routledge companion to sport and exercise psychology: global perspectives and fundamental concepts. (pp. 67-82) edited by Athanasios G. Papaioannou and Dieter Hackfort. Hove, East Sussex, United Kingdom: Routledge.

Motivation in sport: a self-determination theory perspective

2014

Journal Article

Coaches' learning and sustainability in high performance sport

Rynne, Steven B. and Mallett, Clifford J. (2014). Coaches' learning and sustainability in high performance sport. Reflective Practice, 15 (1), 12-26. doi: 10.1080/14623943.2013.868798

Coaches' learning and sustainability in high performance sport

2014

Book Chapter

JOSHUA Optimising assets: (dis)ability and the path to active participation

Macdonald, Doune, Beckman, Emma, Bailey, Don, Mallett, Cliff and Trost, Stewart (2014). JOSHUA Optimising assets: (dis)ability and the path to active participation. Pedagogical cases in physical education and youth sport. (pp. 211-221) edited by Kathleen Armour. Abingdon, Oxford, United Kingdom: Routledge.

JOSHUA Optimising assets: (dis)ability and the path to active participation

2014

Book Chapter

Philosophy of knowledge

Mallett, Clifford and Tinning, Richard (2014). Philosophy of knowledge. Research Methods in Sports Coaching. (pp. 9-17) edited by Lee Nelson, Ryan Groom and Paul Potrac. Abingdon, Oxon, UK: Routledge.

Philosophy of knowledge

2013

Conference Publication

Developing autonomy-supportive coaching: a case study in basketball

Occhino, J. L., Mallett, C. J. and Rynne, S. B. (2013). Developing autonomy-supportive coaching: a case study in basketball. 9th ICCE Global Coach Conference, Durban, South Africa, 11-13 September 2013.

Developing autonomy-supportive coaching: a case study in basketball

2013

Journal Article

Progressing measurement in mental toughness: a response to Clough, Earley, Perry and Crust

Gucciardi, Daniel F., Hanton, Sheldon and Mallett, Cliff J. (2013). Progressing measurement in mental toughness: a response to Clough, Earley, Perry and Crust. Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, 2 (3), 157-172. doi: 10.1037/spy0000002

Progressing measurement in mental toughness: a response to Clough, Earley, Perry and Crust

2013

Journal Article

Effect of PETTLEP imagery training on learning of new skills in novice volleyball players

Afrouzeh, Mohsen, Sohrabi, Mehdi, Torbati, Hamid. Reza Taheri, Gorgin, Farshad and Mallett, Cliff (2013). Effect of PETTLEP imagery training on learning of new skills in novice volleyball players. Life Science Journal, 10 (1s), 231-238.

Effect of PETTLEP imagery training on learning of new skills in novice volleyball players

2013

Journal Article

Examining discriminant validity issues of the sport motivation Scale-6

Kawabata, Masato and Mallett, Clifford J. (2013). Examining discriminant validity issues of the sport motivation Scale-6. Journal of Sport Sciences, 31 (2), 173-180. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2012.723132

Examining discriminant validity issues of the sport motivation Scale-6

2013

Journal Article

Dynamic social networks in high performance football coaching

Occhino, Joseph, Mallett, Cliff and Rynne, Steven (2013). Dynamic social networks in high performance football coaching. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 18 (1), 90-102. doi: 10.1080/17408989.2011.631003

Dynamic social networks in high performance football coaching

2013

Book Chapter

Developing high performance coaching craft through work and study

Mallett, Clifford, Rynne, Steven and Dickens, Sue (2013). Developing high performance coaching craft through work and study. Routledge handbook of sports coaching. (pp. 463-475) edited by Paul Potrac, Wade Gilbert and Jim Denison. Abingdon, Oxon, United Kingdom: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9780203132623

Developing high performance coaching craft through work and study

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2026
    Representative Coaches: Quality, impact and learning in the high performance landscape
    Queensland Academy of Sport
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2023 - 2024
    Research in high performance coaching and sporting organisations
    Brisbane Broncos Rugby League Club Limited
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2024
    Representative Coaches: Quality, impact and learning in the high performance landscape
    Australian Sports Commission
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2024
    Mental performance in competition training program for coaches
    Australian Sports Commission
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2024
    Elevate Coach Program
    Australian Sports Commission
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2022
    High performance coach development: Harnessing cross cultural advantages
    Australia-Japan Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2021
    Development and pilot testing of the Active Triple P program for parents of Junior Rugby League players
    Rugby League Research Projects
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2022
    Mitigating the impacts of Relative Age Effect in junior rugby league: Evaluating an intervention
    Rugby League Research Projects
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2019
    Creating a thriving community for young people through junior rugby league
    Rugby League Research Projects
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2018
    Knowing the person: Enhancing success in securing high potential leaders
    Australian Rugby Union Limited
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2016
    Evaluation of Physical Activity Initiative in Schools
    Queensland Department of Education, Training and Employment
    Open grant
  • 2012
    Australian Sports Commission Junior Sports Framework Review
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2012
    Development and validation of the Tennis Australia Psychological Profile
    Tennis Australia
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2011
    Mental toughness in the Australian military: Conceptualisation, measurement and development.
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2010
    Indigenous Sport Coaching and Development: Coach influence on youth participation and ongoing involvement in physical activity
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2009
    Youth coach training in mental toughness and its impact on positive youth development.
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2009
    Enhancing recovery in sport
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2010
    Learning and mentoring in high performance sports coaching
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2000 - 2001
    Elite coaching: What fuels the fire?
    UQ New Staff Research Start-Up Fund
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Cliff Mallett is:
Available for supervision

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Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Master Philosophy

    Training talent to thrive: Piloting the Mindfulness-Acceptance-Commitment protocol in a Western drama school

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Steven Rynne

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Exploring the role of cognitive control in sports coaching expertise

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Paul Dux

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Identity leadership in action: An ethnographic approach to identify leadership behaviours in a professional football team

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Alex Haslam, Associate Professor Nik Steffens

  • Doctor Philosophy

    What does a pathways (sport) coach need to know and do?

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Steven Rynne

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Identity leadership in action: An ethnographic approach to identify leadership behaviours in a professional football team

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Alex Haslam, Associate Professor Nik Steffens

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Investigations into the coach-athlete relationship of Australian Football

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Steven Rynne

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Psychological flexibility and coaching in Australian high performance sport

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor James Kirby

  • Doctor Philosophy

    High performance athletes and coaches experiences: A retrospective look at the value of autonomy-supportive coaching

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Michalis Stylianou

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Coach education: current effectiveness of Olympic coaching practices.

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Steven Rynne

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Mental health of athletes in subjectively judged sports such as dance, gymnastics, and figure skating

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Vanessa Wergin

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Coaches' learning - through and from the athlete

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Steven Rynne

  • Doctor Philosophy

    The pedagogical work of high performance sport coaches.

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Steven Rynne

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Coaches of the future: Optimising relationships, learning, and performance in sport

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Steven Rynne

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Professor Cliff Mallett directly for media enquiries about:

  • Athletes - professional
  • Coach learning and development
  • High performance coaching
  • Mind - sport
  • Motivation - in sport
  • Performance - sport
  • Psychology - sport
  • Sport - motivation
  • Sport - professional
  • Sport psychology
  • Sports coaching

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