Which practice best exemplifies autonomy-supportive coaching?

• A. Providing choice, encouraging initiative, and supporting mastery.
• B. Strict controlling instruction with no input.
• C. Emphasizing external rewards exclusively.
• D. Focusing only on winning.

Answer: (A)

Autonomy-supportive coaching focuses on fostering athletes' sense of choice and ownership in their development. When coaches provide options, invite athletes to contribute ideas, and support efforts to master skills, they help athletes feel capable and in control of their learning. This approach aligns with motivation research showing that people are more engaged and persistent when they perceive they have some say in what they do, understand the purpose behind tasks, and see how their efforts lead to growth.

Providing choice, encouraging initiative, and supporting mastery embody that style because they empower athletes to take an active role in practice and skill development rather than simply following directions. For example, a coach might let an athlete choose between two drills, encourage them to experiment with different strategies, and give feedback focused on improvement and understanding rather than just outcomes.

In contrast, a strictly controlling approach with no input minimizes autonomy and can dampen motivation. Focusing exclusively on external rewards shifts attention away from learning and internal satisfaction, which can undermine long-term engagement. And concentrating only on winning places the emphasis on outcomes over growth, reducing opportunities for athletes to explore, learn, and take ownership of their progress.