The Impact of National Team Coaches' Leadership on Athletes’Feedback Acceptance and Athletic Performance

This study aimed to elucidate the impact of national team coaches' leadership on feedback acceptance and athletic performance to develop practical coaching strategies and programs for national athletes. Utilizing data from 166 athletes qualified as national representatives in 2023, the following conclusions were drawn: First, all sub-factors of national team coaches' leadership positively influence feedback acceptance, with competency development, directional guidance, and relational factors contributing in that order. This indicates that national coaches must recognize how their leadership can promote athletes' growth and learning responses. Therefore, coaching national athletes with highly efficient and multifaceted leadership can benefit their overall attitude and development. Second, the competency development factor within national team coaches' leadership shows a positive correlation with athletic performance, underscoring the necessity for coaches to devote substantial effort to developing and applying effective coaching strategies. Third, feedback acceptance from national team coaches is positively related to athletic performance, suggesting that to maintain athletes' optimal condition, coaches need to strengthen their feedback capabilities and respond sensitively and promptly to athletes' reactions. Fourth, the significant pathways through which national team coaches' leadership impacts feedback acceptance and athletic performance indicate that coaching leadership and feedback acceptance abilities are critical strategies that can guide athletes to achieve their highest potential.