Coaching And Self-Determination Theory Analysis

In the realm of sports psychology, there are two main theories of how coaching influences motivation, the Behavioral Approach to Coaching (BAC) and the Self-Determination Theory (SDT). Both theories work in different ways in order to increase motivation and produce desired behaviors from athletes.

The Behavioral Approach to Coaching utilizes operant conditioning to shape desired behaviors. Operant conditioning concerns the relationship between three events, called contingencies. Operant conditioning follows a pattern called the ABC’s: If antecedent stimuli (A) are present, and behavior (B) is enacted, then a particular consequence (C) will occur.

The theory is designed to motivate athletes and increase desired behaviors through the use of

The Self-Determination Theory identifies three inherent needs that prove essential to human well-being: competence, relatedness, and autonomy. In this context, competence refers to having the perceived ability, knowledge, and skill to do something successfully. To experience relatedness, athletes must view relationships with important individuals, such as their coaches and teammates, as being supportive and respectful. Lastly, an athlete has autonomy when they are able to act freely and have choices.

Current Chicago Cubs head coach Joe Maddon is known for creating a fun and loose atmosphere in the clubhouses he has managed. He does not tell his players when to show up to the ballpark on a game day, instead letting them choose to sleep longer or spend time with their families if they so wish. When he managed the Tampa Bay Rays, on multiple occasions he brought homemade pasta or hoagies to the ballpark for his players and coaches, creating a family-like atmosphere and increasing the athletes’ sense of

Intrinsic motivation refers to performing an activity for it own sake and the joy received from it. Extrinsic motivation refers to performing an activity for some external reward, such as money or food. Between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, there are five levels of motivation, differing by their level of self-determination. First is amotivation, in which an athlete has no extrinsic or intrinsic reasons for continuing their sport or activity. Next, external regulation refers to an athlete performing an activity to fulfil an external demand or for an external reward, such as a paycheck. Third, when experiencing introjected regulation, athletes participate in their sport because they feel have to and will experience guilt or anxiety if they quit. Next, identified regulation occurs when a behavior is performed voluntarily, but is not pleasant and is being done to reach another goal. Lastly, purley intrinsic motivation occurs when participation is self-determined and done for the joy of the