INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT TEACHING STYLES ON THE PERCEPTION OF THE MOTIVATIONAL CLIMATE WITHIN A YOUTH SPORT SETTING

Abstract

This study examined the influence of different teaching styles on the perceptions of the motivational climate within a youth sport setting. A total of 35 male football players (M=14.6), in a football academy setting took part in the study. The participants were asked to complete a questionnaire booklet assessing their perception of the motivational climate created during a two week intervention block of two differing teaching styles according to Mosston and Ashworth’s (2002) spectrum of teaching styles. Results from the questionnaires were analysed using SPSS and significance values were examined to look at any differences between the coach and participant led teaching styles. Alongside the quantitative results, the coaches involved within the study provided reflective extracts expressing their thoughts and feelings during and after the sessions. These extracts provided an insight into the coaches’ approach towards the motivational climate and the influence of the coaching styles they used. The results from the questionnaires revealed statistically significance between the questionnaire results between the command/practice sessions and the guided discovery sessions. The main findings of the study from the coaches’ reflective extracts were the differences in certain aspects such as the responses of the players during the sessions, also the coaches own opinions of when the different styles should be utilised were discussed.