With which coach shall we practice today? Leadership, cooperation and performance in a coach rotation system in soccer

Abstract

Objective: The present study examined the relations between leadership behaviors, cooperation with the coach and performance. The Multidimensional Model of Sports Leadership and the Conceptual Model of Sport Cooperation were employed. Method: Using a correlational method, 43 athletes from the sub-14 age group completed the preferred and actual version of the ELD, and the subscale of cooperation with the coach from the QCD-p. Moreover, three head coaches evaluated the 43 athletes with a performance questionnaire. Results: The results showed a positive correlation between democratic behaviours, training and instruction, and positive feedback with cooperation with the coach and performance. Conclusions: Given the findings, future research should delve in the verified relations and examine the existence of moderating, mediating variables in the results, by employing other methodologies and a more updated model of sports leadership.