Creating a Successful and Effective Coaching Environment through Interpersonal Sports Coaching. In Sport and Exercise Psychology

This chapter demonstrates an understanding of the context of interpersonal sports coaching within a university context. It outlines and evaluates theories underpinning the coach-athlete relationship. The chapter also outlines a range of relationship management techniques that can be utilized by coaching staff to create a positive interpersonal coaching environment. Coaches and athletes need to maintain a long-term relationship, one that is stable and satisfying for both members. Interdependent relationships that last over time should be satisfying and fulfilling. Coaches who work within a university setting are presented with a number of demands that are unique to this setting. Common requirements of university coaches and coaches operating within different contexts (e.g., club, national) are to recruit, train, and coach the athletic members of the squad whilst also provide pastoral care.