Coach communication and athlete performance: toward an integrated framework of verbal, nonverbal, and relational mechanisms

Lentera Negeri July 19, 2026 Volume 7, Number 1 8 authors

Abstract

This systematic literature review critically synthesized peer-reviewed research on coach communication skills and their effects on athlete performance, motivation, and well-being. Guided by the PRISMA 2020 framework and the FICO quality-appraisal criteria (Focus, Information, Context, and Outcome), the review examined how verbal, nonverbal, and relational communication behaviors of coaches influence athlete outcomes across different cultural and contextual settings. Literature was retrieved from the Scopus database, yielding 108 records. After screening and applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 50 articles were selected for qualitative analysis. The thematic synthesis identified four major findings. First, verbal guidance and encouragement were positively associated with athletes’ self-efficacy, motivation, and immediate performance, with the effects varying according to feedback timing, feedback type, and gender. Second, nonverbal communication, including gestures, facial expressions, and coaches’ psychological disposition, contributed significantly to athletes’ psychological safety and emotional regulation. Third, the quality of coach-athlete communication mediated the relationship between transformational leadership and team cohesion, thereby influencing organizational and team performance. Fourth, cultural, generational, and technological contexts, such as parental involvement, religious practices, gender norms, and AI-mediated coaching tools, shaped how communication was delivered and interpreted. This review contributes theoretically by distinguishing nonverbal communication as a distinct dimension within coach-athlete relationship dynamics rather than merely a component of general relational communication. Practically, the findings support the development of evidence-based coach education programs that emphasize effective feedback delivery, nonverbal communication awareness, and culturally responsive communication protocols. Future research is recommended to employ longitudinal and experimental designs, standardized communication measurement instruments, and more inclusive samples involving youth athletes, athletes with disabilities, and e-sports participants.

Authors

  1. Irwansyah Siregar

    Universitas Negeri Medan

  2. Fahmy Zidhan Kurniawan

    Universitas Negeri Medan

  3. Cut Muetia Balqhis

    Universitas Negeri Medan

  4. Nurrodiah Siregar

    Universitas Negeri Medan

  5. Yunus Abadi

    Universitas Negeri Medan

  6. Zahrian Perangin-angin

    Universitas Negeri Medan

  7. Fuji Amanda

    Universitas Negeri Medan

  8. Rinaldi Rinaldi

    Universitas Negeri Medan

Keywords

No keywords available

References

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