Impact of Coach Behavior Upon Motivation of Cricket Players towards Cricket: A Case Study of District Mirpur Ajk

Abstract

Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Based on Self-Determination Theory (SDT), the study examined how perceived The study examines the effect of coaching behavior on cricket player’s motivation in District coaching behavior affects athletes' intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was used, with simple random sampling to draw a sample of 285 cricket players from a population size of 1,100. Two standardized instruments, Coaching Behavior and sports Motivation were employed. Both measures had highly internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha above 0.9. Data were analyzed using SPSS (v25), applying descriptive statistics and linear regression analysis. The findings revealed that coaching behavior significantly predicted athlete motivation, explaining 45% of variance (R² = 0.450, Adjusted R² = 0.448). Unstandardized regression weight (B = 0.715) and standardized Beta (β = 0.671) both were statistically significant (t = 15.225, p < 0.001), reflecting strong and positive impact of coaching behavior on player motivation. These findings support the important role of effective and supportive coaching in developing athlete’s motivation. The research emphasizes the significance of athletic-coach communication, feedback behavior, and emotional connection in achieving psychological well-being and performance development among cricket players.