The coach-athlete relationship: a motivational model

Area of Science:

• Sport Psychology
• Motivation Science
• Coaching Effectiveness

Background:

• Understanding the coach-athlete relationship is crucial for optimizing athletic performance and well-being.
• Existing theories like cognitive evaluation theory and the hierarchical model of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation provide frameworks for motivation.
• Coaches play a pivotal role in shaping athletes' motivational experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a motivational model of the coach-athlete relationship.
• To describe how coaches' behaviors influence athletes' motivation.
• To explore the psychological processes underlying this influence.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical review and model development.
• Integration of cognitive evaluation theory and hierarchical model of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
• Analysis of coaches' orientations, contextual factors, and perceptions influencing coaching behaviors.

Main Results:

• Coaches' personal orientation, context, and perceptions influence their behaviors (autonomy-supportive, structure, involvement).
• These coaching behaviors positively impact athletes' needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness.
• This, in turn, fosters athletes' intrinsic motivation and self-determined extrinsic motivation.

Conclusions:

• Coaches' behaviors are key mediators of athlete motivation.
• Supporting athletes' basic psychological needs is essential for fostering intrinsic and self-determined motivation.
• Understanding social and personality factors influencing coaching behaviors can enhance motivational strategies.