Coaching Instruction in Field Training: Athletes’ Perceptions of Clarity, Motivation, and Harshness

Abstract

Coaching instruction is a crucial yet under-theorized part of field training because coaches’ verbal and nonverbal cues influence how athletes perceive tasks, manage effort, and stay motivated during practice. This study investigated athletes' perceptions regarding the significance of coaching instruction during field training, emphasizing instructional clarity, motivational influences, and the effects of a severe instructional tone on comprehension. The research used a quantitative descriptive approach. Data were gathered from 146 athletes across different sports using a validated 15-item questionnaire distributed via Google Forms. The instrument was divided into three areas—clarity and delivery of instruction, athlete understanding and response, and motivational impact—and showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = .87). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze frequencies, percentages, and weighted mean scores. The results revealed a largely positive trend. About 93.8% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that coaches communicated training goals clearly, and the same percentage reported that coaching increased motivation and discipline. The weighted mean scores for these items were both 4.19 out of 5.00. In contrast, perceptions of harsh instruction were mixed, with a weighted mean of 3.06, indicating that athletes did not respond uniformly to forceful or emotionally intense delivery. These findings suggest that coaching instruction is highly valued when it is clear, specific, and motivating, but its effectiveness can diminish when tone is perceived as harsh. The study concludes that effective coaching instruction should be viewed not only as technical communication but also as a multidimensional pedagogical process that includes cognitive guidance, motivational support, and context-appropriate communication. The research adds empirical and conceptual insights to sports pedagogy by illustrating how instructional communication can enhance athlete learning and engagement during everyday field training contexts.