Einfluss der interpersonellen Attraktion und Homophilie eines Trainers auf die Motivation von Jugendfußballspielern

It is well known that certain coaching behaviors and characteristics have the potential in shaping players’ skill development. Interpersonal attraction and homophily are one relevant example that can be used to explain individual’s affective evaluation of another individual’s actions. In a sport context, the interpersonal characteristics of a coach can potentially influence players at different levels. This study investigated the influence of coach’s interpersonal attraction (social, physical, and task) and homophily (attitude and background) on youth soccer players’ motivation. A closed ended questionnaire was distributed to 94 youth soccer players to examine the impact of coach’s interpersonal attraction and homophily on their motivation. The results showed that coach’s social, physical, and task attractions significantly influenced players’ motivation. We also found that coach’s attitude positively contributed to players’ motivation. Outcomes from this study offer new insights into the development of coaching relationship quality and players’ motivation. It also enriches the current theoretical understanding on how certain interpersonal behaviors of a coach may influence individuals’ motivation in a sport context.