Exploring Coaching Leadership Behaviours in Strength and Conditioning Coaching: Preferences of NCAA Division I and II Collegiate Student-Athletes Based on Task Variability

Authors

Severiano Tiberi, Cardiff Metropolitan University, UKFollow
Jeremy Moody, Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK; Nisantasi University, TurkeyFollow
Steve Cooper, Cardiff Metropolitan University, UKFollow
George Jennings, Cardiff Metropolitan University, UKFollow
Joseph I. Esformes, Cardiff Metropolitan University, UKFollow

Abstract

This study aimed to explore collegiate student-athletesˈ preferences of coaching leadership behaviours in strength and conditioning coaching and evaluate differences between the student-athletesˈ preferences of behaviours based on task variability. In total 145 National Collegiate Athletic Association student-athletes (closed sports athletes = 51, open sports athletes = 94) completed an electronic questionnaire involving the athletesˈ preference version of the Revised Leadership Scale for Strength and Conditioning. Results revealed that the most favoured behaviour was ˈtraining and instructionˈ, whilst the least favoured was ˈautocraticˈ. Similar results were observed for closed and open sports groups, though closed sports athletes preferred ˈtraining and instructionˈ. In contrast, open sports athletes preferred ˈsocial supportˈ. A marginal statistically significant difference (p = 0.048) indicated task-variability-based variations that might form a fruitful basis for future research. However, small effect sizes suggest that the magnitude of differences is not practically significant. This study provides insights on collegiate student-athletesˈ preferences of coaching leadership behaviours in delivery of strength and conditioning, contributing to the development and experiences of athletes. Both groups valued positive psychosocial behaviours such as training and instruction, positive feedback, situational considerations and social support. The findings offer implications for coaching and provide a foundation for further research into coaching leadership behaviours in strength and conditioning.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25035/jade.07.02.04

Recommended Citation

Tiberi, Severiano; Moody, Jeremy; Cooper, Steve; Jennings, George; and Esformes, Joseph I. (2025) "Exploring Coaching Leadership Behaviours in Strength and Conditioning Coaching: Preferences of NCAA Division I and II Collegiate Student-Athletes Based on Task Variability," Journal of Athlete Development and Experience: Vol. 7: Iss. 2, Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25035/jade.07.02.04
Available at: https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/jade/vol7/iss2/4

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License