The Impact of Coaching Styles on the Motivation and Performance of Athletes

Abstract Previous research has been conducted on the concept of coaching styles and their impact on the motivation and performance of athletes, with results suggesting that the impact can be extremely significant. Through the different styles of coaching, coaches impact the athletes with whom they associate in different ways, while also fulfilling or neglecting the athletes’ psychological needs. Through recent research, it has been suggested that coaches who exhibit the most autonomy supportive behaviors tend to fulfill the psychological needs of athletes, resulting in the development of self-determined forms of motivation. When autonomy is supported and athletes become self-determined in their motivation, research shows that these athletes achieve greater success in their overall improvement and performance when participating in their respective activity or sport. The purpose of this synthesis project is to review the literature regarding coaching styles and their impact on the motivation and performance of athletes. More specifically, to establish an understanding of what coaching style has the most positive impact on an athlete's motivation and performance.