THE IMPACT OF COACHING STYLE UPON PERFORMANCE: A CASE STUDY OF GYMNASTS

Abstract

This investigation aimed to look at connection between coaching style and the performance of gymnasts. Literature indicated mainly two types of the coaching styles including autocratic and democratic. There were three main objectives of study including, to see relationship amid perceived coaching styles and professional skills of gymnasts; to see the relationship of autocratic coaching style and collective efficacy of gymnasts; and to see the relationship of the democratic coaching style and perceived team cohesion and collective efficacy. Negative connection amid autocratic style and sports performance, and a positive connection between democratic style and sports performance was observed. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that autocratic style indicated negative association with performance of the gymnasts. On other hand, different dimensions of the democratic style were positively associated with different tasks including affiliation, socialization, integration, ability to do well; unity; persistence; preparation and effort demonstrated a positive association with performance of gymnasts. Outcomes indicated that mentors’ coaching style was stated to be vital for progress of competitors’ professional skills and performance.