The Relationship Between Coach Expectations and Female Softball Athletes' Motivation and Perceptions of Coach Behavior
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between coach expectations, female athletes' perceptions of coach behavior, and motivation to play softball, and to observe changes in perceptions of behavior and motivation by expectancy group. Self determination theory (SDT; Ryan Deci, 2000) was used as a guide. Participants were randomly selected from Division I softball teams competing in the United States (n 20) Head coaches (n 20) completed evaluations rating expectations of athletes' performance ability, and athletes (n 148) self reported motivation and perceived coaching behaviors pre and post study. Cluster analysis distinguished between three expectancy groups based from coach expectation ratings: High, low, and average. Pearson's r revealed weak relationships between coach expectancy ratings, perceived coaching behaviors, and motivation. Split plot analysis of variance tests revealed expectancy groups perceived behaviors differently and were motivated differently. Low expectanc.