Is coaches’ behavior patterns reflected in their team’s motivational climate?

Knowledge is lacking regarding objective situational cues affecting athletes’ perceptions of the motivational climate. The present study examined one proposed objective situational cue, namely the behavior of coaches. It was expected that differences between coaches’ behavior patterns would be reflected in differences in the motivational climates between their teams. Four junior soccer team coaches and 56 players from these four teams participated in the study. Coaches were observed during four practices and behaviors were recorded using the Coaching Behavior Assessment System. Players completed the Perceived Motivational Climate in Sport Questionnaire-2. More encouraging and instructional behaviors from coaches were reflected by a higher perceived mastery climate, especially in regard to perceiving the climate as rewarding for effort and improvement. Less encouraging and instructional behaviors were reflected by higher perceived performance climate. Higher levels of punitive behaviors were also reflected by higher perceived performance climate. Not only active behavior patterns in coaches but also passive