Leading the Game: Coach Leadership and Athlete Motivation across Team and Individual Sports in Egypt

Abstractthis study explores the impact of perceived coach leadership on athlete motivation, with a focus on how sport type may moderate this relationship. The study examines the overall effect of coach leadership on motivation, the influence of its various dimensions, and whether these effects differ between individual and team sports. A quantitative research design was employed, using an online survey to collect primary data from athletes in Egypt. Analysis revealed significant associations between coach leadership and athlete motivation, with notable differences based on sport type. Findings suggest that different leadership dimensions have varying degrees of influence, and that athletes in team sports may respond differently to leadership than those in individual sports. The study contributes to the growing body of literature on sports psychology and leadership, offering practical insights for coaches and sports organizations aiming to enhance athlete motivation through context-aware leadership approaches. Key words: Coach, leadership, athlete motivation, individual sports, team sports, leadership style, leadership dimensions, sport psychology