Building Confidence and Wellbeing: The Power of Coach Communication and Personal Connections in College Basketball Zulham (a*), Oki Candra (b), Hermanto (c), Pulung Riyanto (d)
a) Recreational Sports Study Program. Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Jakarta 13220, Indonesia
*bungzulham[at]unj.ac.id
b) Physical Education Study Program. Universitas Islam Riau. Pekanbaru. Riau 28284. Indonesia
c) Physical Education Study Program. Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Jakarta 13220, Indonesia
d) Physical Education, Health, and Recreation, Universitas Musamus, Papua 99611 ,Indonesia
Abstract
This research aims to identify and analyze how coaches^ communication skills and personal closeness influence the self-confidence and wellbeing of student basketball athletes at Jakarta State University and Riau Islamic University. The focus of this study included two main groups: basketball athletes and coaches, with selection criteria ensuring their participation in basketball teams and relevant coaching experience. Purposive sampling technique was used to select appropriate participants. Data was collected through quantitative questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and observation of interactions in training and matches. Questionnaires measure the quality of coach communication, personal closeness, self-confidence and athlete wellbeing, while interviews and observations provide more in-depth contextual data. Quantitative analysis is carried out using statistical techniques such as regression analysis, while qualitative data is analyzed thematically to identify main themes and patterns. The research results show that clear, open and emotionally supportive coach communication significantly influences athletes^ self-confidence and wellbeing. Athletes who experience emotional support and effective communication from coaches feel more motivated and confident in their abilities, which has a positive impact on their performance on the field. Personal closeness between coaches and athletes also contributes to increasing athletes^ self-confidence and emotional satisfaction. This research emphasizes the importance of communication and interpersonal relationship skills in training, recommending the implementation of training programs that prioritize these aspects to create a more supportive and productive training environment.
