Analysis of the behavior of volleyball coaches of youth female categories

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to analyze the behavioral profile of volleyball coaches of youth categories from both the athletes' and the coaches' perspectives. One hundred ten athletes and 18 head coaches and assistant coaches who participated in the 2018 clubs' Brazilian volleyball championship (Campeonato Brasileiro Interclubes de Voleibol) filled the athlete and coach version, respectively, of the Brazilian version of the Coach Behavior Scale for Sport. The reporting of the goal-setting dimension was not aligned between coaches and athletes (z = 17, p = 0.012, d = 0.78), while no differences were found for the other dimensions (physical training and planning, technical skills, mental preparation, personal rapport, and negative rapport). The mismatch between the perceptions of coaches and athletes for the goal-setting dimension may be related to an underestimation or overestimation by coaches or athletes of the team's potential and inadequate coach-athlete communication. Coaches should manage their behavior to clearly state for the athletes their personal and collective goals, avoiding frustration, and promoting more commitment with the set goals, increasing the team's chances of success.