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Subscribe | Labours of Sport Coaching - The Self-Determined Coach

In this episode, I introduce what competence support is, what it entails (both as encouragement and structure, in the various forms and considerations), and the relationship of competence support with autonomy, relatedness, and adaptive forms of motivation. We need to break out of the notion that hands off coaching is unproblematic and build a sense of trust as coaches that we're structuring our athletes' environment to strengthen our bond and empower their independence. While at the same time never losing sense of the need to make athletes feel good today, as we build them for tomorrow.

Keywords

competence support, coaching, autonomy, motivation, athlete development, praise, structured environment, feedback, growth mindset, sports psychology

Takeaways

• Competence support is crucial for athlete development.
• Self-determined athletes often achieve better outcomes.
• Autonomy in coaching must be paired with structure.
• Praise should focus on effort and process, not just talent.
• Direct feedback is essential for athlete improvement.
• Creating a supportive environment fosters adaptive motivation.
• Praise should be given in appropriate amounts to maintain its value.
• Setting challenging yet achievable tasks is key to growth and feelings of competence.
• Coaches must be honest about athletes' performance.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Competence Support in Coaching

04:27 Building Confidence and Competence Together

08:55 The Art of Praise in Coaching

12:31 Structuring the Coaching Environment

16:46 Balancing Structure and Autonomy in Coaching

If you enjoyed this episode, I recommend checking out these other episodes too:

Autonomy support 101

Reframing coaching with SDT

Myths of motivating athletes - Guest appearance on Rugby Coach Weekly

The hidden dimension of motivational coach behaviour

Learn more about your host and access my services:

https://markjcarrollcoaching.wordpress.com/consultancy/

Support the show by becoming a patron:

https://labours-of-sport.captivate.fm/support

Connect with me on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/markjcarrollresearcher/

Sign up to my FREE motivational psychology newsletter:

Subscribe | Labours of Sport Coaching - The Self-Determined Coach

In this episode I'm joined by Professor of Sport Coaching, Don Vinson, from the University of Worcester to discuss the perspective of Christian sport coaches. This rarely encountered conversation offers a case study of how sport coaches can align their values, and Christian faith, with a model of leadership known as servant leadership, in order to meaningfully support the many needs of athletes. A conversation which celebrates spirituality and religion within leadership in sport, for the value it brings to everyone, of Christian faith or otherwise.

Paper discussed:

Vinson, D., & Parker, A. (2021). Christian sports coaches and servant leadership. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 16(2), 304-316.

Key Takeaways

• Servant leadership in sports coaching prioritises athletes’ holistic development, focusing on their needs beyond just performance.
• Christian faith as a case study illustrates how spirituality can enhance coaching by fostering athletes’ sense of identity and purpose.
• There is an overemphasis on winning and potential abuse in talent development systems.
• Holistic development is often limited to physical, psychological, and social aspects, neglecting spiritual well-being.
• Servant leadership characteristics include humility, authenticity, and stewardship, guiding coaches to support athletes’ growth.
• Competition can be reframed as collaborative striving for excellence, not just a path to victory.
• Universality of servant leadership makes it applicable to coaches of all backgrounds, not exclusive to Christianity.
• Strength in servant leadership requires tough decisions and discipline, rooted in care for athletes.
• Call to action for coaches to reflect on their values and consider servant leadership to enhance their practice.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring the Intersection of Faith and Coaching

05:51 The Role of Servant Leadership in Coaching

08:31 Challenges in Youth Sports and Mental Health

11:15 The Importance of Spiritual Health

14:09 Values and Leadership in Coaching

16:48 The Problems Within Sports Culture

19:45 Understanding Servant and Christian Leadership

22:27 Holistic Development in Coaching

32:28 Exploring Holistic Development in Coaching

35:02 Understanding Purpose and Identity in Sports

37:11 Insights from Coaches on Faith and Purpose

40:16 The Balance of Discipline and Nurturing in Coaching

43:14 Navigating Humility and Confidence in Leadership

47:37 The Broader Implications of Servant and Christian Leadership

51:58 Competition: Striving Together for Excellence

56:03 Bridging Values and Performance in Sports

01:01:18 The Future of Servant and Christian Leadership in Coaching

Learn more about your host and access my services:

https://markjcarrollcoaching.wordpress.com/consultancy/

Support the show by becoming a patron:

https://labours-of-sport.captivate.fm/support

Connect with me on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/markjcarrollresearcher/

WORK WITH ME:

https://markjcarrollcoaching.wordpress.com/consultancy/

In this solo episode I go through some of the basic assumptions of motivation within sport and a sport coach's role, through a self-determination theory lens. Questions explored include who's responsible for motivating athletes, why amounts of motivation are just part of the equation, and what the relationship is between an athlete's motivational orientation and the environmental supports they receive (or not) for their basic psychological needs.

Keywords:

self-determination theory, coaching, athlete motivation, intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, psychological needs, coaching strategies, sports psychology, motivation types, athlete development

Takeaways:

• The primary role of a coach is to create an environment for self-motivation.
• Motivation is not a one-dimensional concept; it exists on a spectrum.
• Intrinsic motivation is the highest form of self-determined motivation.
• Athletes are motivated by various types of motivation, not just intrinsic.
• Understanding psychological needs is crucial for fostering motivation.
• Coaches should focus on long-term motivation rather than short-term results.
• The environment plays a significant role in athlete motivation.
• Autonomy, competence, and relatedness supports affect motivation orientation.
• Self-determination theory provides a framework for understanding motivation.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Self-Determination Theory in Coaching

02:22 The Role of the Coach in Motivation

04:46 Understanding Types of Motivation

07:10 Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation

09:28 The Spectrum of Motivation Types

12:00 The Importance of Psychological Needs

14:45 The Interplay of Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness

17:07 Long-Term vs. Short-Term Motivation

19:52 Conclusion and Reflection on Coaching Practices

If you enjoy this episode, I recommend checking out these previous ones too:

Autonomy supportive coaching 101

Myths of motivating athletes - Guest appearance on Rugby Coach Weekly

The hidden dimension of motivational coach behaviour

Learn more about your host and access my consultancy services:

https://markjcarrollcoaching.wordpress.com/consultancy/

Support the show by becoming a patron:

https://labours-of-sport.captivate.fm/support

Connect with me on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/markjcarrollresearcher/