Command Types in the Coach-Athlete Relationship

The purpose of this study was to examine communication within the coach and athlete relationship through \u27 looking at various command types verbalized by coaches. The command types consisted of direct and indirect types of commands and they consisted of such varying types as regular, stop, don\u27t, negative, indirect, question, interview, and other. Researchers watched and attended athletic practices and games at high schools surrounding the Mankato area. Two coaches were recruited from Maple River High School in Mapleton, MN; These sporting events included both boys and girls basketball. Commands were recorded by researchers on observation forms during each practice or game. Two researchers observed each practice/game in order to ensure inter-rater reliability. Researchers anonymously analyzed data obtained. Participants were identified by random number, never by name during analysis and will not be identified during presentation of results