ABSTRACT
This chapter provides information on how coaches can shape the coaching environment and the impact that this has on athletes. It also provides information on: a definition of the motivational climate, mastery/task-involving motivational climates, performance/ego-involving motivational climates, impact of the motivational climate on athletes, manipulating the motivational climate and using TARGET to create a mastery motivational climate for athletes. The motivational climate relates to the ways in which coaches exert their influence on players' motivation through their coaching practice. Mastery/task-involving motivational climates are associated with a variety of desirable outcomes such as enhanced enjoyment, engagement, and perceived competence. Performance/ego-involving motivational climates are linked to anti-social behaviour, enhanced stress, and shame. Motivational climates can be manipulated by providing training to coaches, such as MAC or TARGET principles. The chapter presents some practice exam questions, critical thinking questions and case study questions related to the optimal motivational climate.
