Generative mechanisms of barrier to the internalization of motivation to participate in training in youth basketball players

The resistance to training among Chinese youth basketball players is becoming increasingly common, leading to low training effectiveness. Despite the growing significance of this issue, existing research has not systematically analyzed its underlying causes. To address this gap, this study employs Procedural Grounded Theory to explore the psychological mechanisms behind training resistance in these athletes. The findings indicate that coaches' controlling behaviors undermine athletes' basic psychological needs and trigger immediate resistance. When the coach's power becomes excessive, even to the extent of having decision-making authority over athlete deselection, these behaviors may develop into an established coach-centered interaction pattern. This pattern thoroughly suppresses the satisfaction of athletes' basic psychological needs and compels them to submit to the coach's authority, triggering athletes' negative emotions. If this accumulation of negative emotions exceeds the athletes' psychological tolerance threshold, it erupts and manifests as resistant behaviors. In turn, these behaviors are perceived by the coach as a challenge to their authority, leading to intensified control and ultimately resulting in a vicious cycle. This resistance is identified as the "internalization barrier of training motivation." The study recommends that coaches regularly assess athletes' psychological states, technical abilities, and physical fitness using appropriate measurement tools. Such assessment helps identify early signs of burnout and anxiety and track progress in skills and fitness. Coaches should adjust training plans based on individual progress to tailor training loads and goals. Additionally, providing personalized feedback, recognizing individual efforts, and fostering peer support through team-building activities can enhance intrinsic motivation. In conclusion, this study constructs a theoretical framework for understanding training resistance and provides practical recommendations to improve coaching efficacy in Chinese youth basketball.