What type of coach will maximize athletic progress of high expectancy athletes?

A pygmalion-prone coach is the most effective choice for maximizing athletic progress among high expectancy athletes. This type of coach is characterized by their ability to hold high expectations for their athletes, which in turn influences the athletes' performance positively. The Pygmalion effect suggests that when coaches believe in the potential of their athletes, they are more likely to communicate that belief through their behaviors, support, and feedback, fostering a more motivating environment.

High expectancy athletes thrive in situations where they feel trusted and validated by their coach, leading to improved self-efficacy and performance. A pygmalion-prone coach actively engages in practices that encourage athletes to reach their full potential, which is essential for their growth and success in sports.

In contrast, other coaching styles, such as transformational, democratic, and transactional, while valuable in their own ways, may not necessarily focus as strongly on the high expectancy aspect of coaching. A transformational coach inspires and motivates through vision and change, which is beneficial but may lack the specific emphasis on high expectations. A democratic coach emphasizes collaboration and athlete input, which can sometimes dilute the focused encouragement that high expectancy athletes need. A transactional coach tends to operate on a system of rewards and penalties, which may not foster the