Support for autonomy, motivation and performance basketball players

The aim of this study was to verify the effect of support for the coach's autonomy on basic psychological needs, motivation, physical performance and decision making in basketball players. To do this, a sample of 17 players (18-23 years old) was used, who were measured the support to the autonomy and the coaching style perceived of the trainer, the motivation, basic psychological needs, the physical performance and the decision making. A quasi-experimental design with non-equivalent control group was used. In the experimental group (n = 9) an interactive style of support for autonomy was transmitted by the trainer, while in the control group (n = 8) there was no manipulation. The intervention lasted 36 sessions of 50 minutes, with a frequency of three sessions per week. The results revealed an increase in the experimental group in the perception of support for autonomy, basic psychological needs and self-determined motivation, so that the intervention was effective. The results are discussed in favor of the use of the support to the autonomy in the sports field by the positive consequences generated.