Variation in Perceived Motivational Climate in Sports Among Young Football Players: A Case Study During a Tournament Preparation

Abstract

The athletes’ perceptions of their coaches' behaviour significantly contribute to the perception of motivational climate. This study aims to analyse the consequences of different types of coaching orientation on young football players, considering the perceived motivational climate in sports. Twenty-two football players aged 13-14 years completed the Perceived Motivational Climate in Sport Questionnaire-2 prior to the first practice in preparation for a tournament, and before the last game. The coach promoted a mastery approach to the under-13 team (n=12), and a performance approach to the under-14 team (n=10). Kruskal-Wallis Test showed no statistical differences pre-intervention. Post-intervention showed differences for Cooperation (p<0.05, higher for under-13), and Inequality (p<0.05, higher for under-14). The factorial analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in the various categories at the two data collection time points. The results demonstrate that the motivational climate perceived by players is directly influenced by the coach's attitudes and behaviours, with different training strategies inculcating different perceptions among players. Player’s perception of coaches providing positive and encouraging feedback after success or failure in performance, as well as not ignoring errors, supporting players, and providing ample guidance, was associated with a task-oriented climate. In contrast, players who perceive their coach to give less positive feedback but a high amount of punishment feedback, punish excessively, and provide little support, were associated with an ego-oriented climate.