Success orientation, coaching behaviour, and player outcomes in junior tennis

Abstract

In Study 1, 169 tennis coaches completed a Success Orientation Questionnaire. Orientations were associated with age, sex and status of coaches. Second-order factor analysis dichotomised coaches into process or outcome orientation. In Study 2, a Tennis Behaviour Analysis System was developed, showing good inter-observer agreement (92%) and test-retest reliability (98%). Ten professional coaches observed on three occasions spent 52% of time on court observing players, 21% regulating technical aspects of play and 9% providing general reinforcement. Behaviour varied across coaches but was consistent between sessions. In Study 3, links between coach orientation, coach behaviour, and outcomes for players were investigated for 30 coach-player relationships. Behaviours were predicted from orientation with 36.5% to 71.5% of variance explained. Outcomes for players were predicted from coach orientation and behaviour with 24.9% to 51.3% of variance explained. Process orientation predicted competition success, systematic organisation, player fulfilment, interpersonal relationships, and intrinsic rewards. The orientation-outcome link was mediated by behaviour for some outcomes but was direct for others. Generally, behaviour high in technical and general reinforcement, low in distraction, with frequent questions and restricted observation, was associated with positive outcomes.