Effective coaching shapes athletes’ performance, personal growth, and motivation. This study explored how coaching behavioral styles, based on the DISC model—Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness—relate to athletes’ sports performance. Guided by the Self-Determination Theory (SDT), the research examined how these behavioral styles influence athletes’ sense of autonomy, competence, and connection with their coaches.

The study used a descriptive-correlational design and included 20 coaches and 105 athletes from the main and satellite campuses. Researchers analyzed data using mean, standard deviation, independent t-test, and Pearson correlation. Results showed that all four DISC styles clearly appeared in coaches’ behaviors, although coaches rated themselves higher than athletes did. Both groups recognized the importance of physical attributes such as agility, flexibility, strength, and speed, but differed slightly in how they perceived their application in training. Conscientiousness, among the DISC styles, is most strongly connected to athletes’ overall performance.

Coaches should enhance communication, feedback, and goal-setting practices to strengthen relationships with athletes. Future training programs can focus on developing conscientious behavior along with leadership and interpersonal skills. Researchers can further explore these relationships in various sports settings to validate and expand the findings.