The impact of coaching advice on motor learning skills, with a particular focus on the role of self-competencies in high-performing athletes

Main Article Content

Sebastian Schröder
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7929-321X

Abstract

In the context of competitive sports training, it is imperative that athletes receive regular training in self-competence to enhance self-regulation and self-control, thereby empowering them to actively influence their own learning process and mitigate stress. The present study (N = 35, mean age: 17.06) suggests a negative correlation between stress load and self-control (r = -.517, p < .001). Concurrently, a positive correlation was identified between self-control and willpower (r = .433, p < .005), with willpower also exerting an influence on motor learning, although not significantly (d = .358). The study set out to examine the hypothesis that the manner in which coaches communicate has a significant impact on motor learning (r = -.41, p < .005). Subsequent group comparisons revealed significant variations in juggling performance, which were associated with higher expressions of willpower (p = .027, d = .735). In comparison with the groups that achieved high self-competence scores, the group that received negative coach instruction and simultaneously exhibited a low level of self-competence demonstrated the poorest results in motor learning and exhibited significant differences to the athletes with high self-competence (p ≤ .020, d ≥ 0.75). These results underscore the significance of promoting self-competence in top athletes.

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Article Details

Section

Performance Analysis of Sport

Author Biography

Sebastian Schröder, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg

Faculty of Humanities.

How to Cite

Schröder, S. (2025). The impact of coaching advice on motor learning skills, with a particular focus on the role of self-competencies in high-performing athletes. Journal of Human Sport and Exercise , 20(4), 1184-1198. https://doi.org/10.55860/5r1wxz97

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