In this study, we investigated the influence of contextual (opponent level) and interpersonal (coach-athlete relationship) factors on coach`s interpersonal style based on athlete`s basic psychological needs (supportive/thwarting) which in turn influence athlete`s performance. The study is based on Cognitive Evaluation Theory (Deci, E.L., & Ryan, R.M. (1985). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. New York: Plenum Press), and used the motivational model of the coach-athlete relationship (Mageau, G.A., & Vallerand, R. J. (2003). The coach-athlete relationship: a motivational model. Journal of Sports Sciences, 21(11), 883-904). The participants (20?judokas and their four coaches) were instructed to complete the «?Coach-Athlete Relationship Questionnaire?» (Jowett, S., & Ntoumanis, N. (2004). The Coach-Athlete Relationship Questionnaire (CART-Q): development and initial validation. Medicine & Science in Sports, 14(4), 245-257). Then, during two national competitions, data concerning coaches` precompetitive motivational discourse were recorded and transcribed. Deductive analysis of content was performed according to the three basic psychological needs and the category «?Miscellaneous?» which has been shown to contain athlete activation data. Analysis highlighted: positive links between complementary perceived by athlete, commitment perceived by coach and autonomy need support; (b) negative link between co-orientation and athlete`s activation. Also, they highlighted negative influence of athlete`s activation on sport performance, and none influence of opponent level on coach`s interpersonal style. Results are discussed and practical implications are presented.
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