Based on the principles presented in the textbook, design a sports training program for young children that would likely increase self-regulation and enjoyment of physical activity

What will be an ideal response?

Answer: Research on the application of self-regulation theory to coaching and sport development has suggested that young athletes can be trained in a way that makes them self-regulating. This leads to enjoyment of the sport. In our program, coaches would be trained to provide “autonomy-support.” Young athletes would not be pressured to either participate or win at their sport. They would be encouraged to work on skills that are challenging, but not beyond their range. They would be given clear tasks and specified goals that would be positively reinforced when accomplished to meet competence needs. . Coaches would be always present and highly involved to meet relatedness needs and, in addition, interaction with other training athletes would be encouraged. Throughout the process athletes would involved in decisions on directions and goals to encourage autonomy needs.