Previous research has found that interaction processes between coach and athlete have always been the
strongest factor for sports performance. Other researches have drawn conclusions to other factors in the
coach-athlete relationship, such as culture and gender. Research has generally shown that effective
communication required the development of trust and respect between coach and athlete (Yukelson,
1984). The review focuses on an analysis of past literature on communication styles, culture, and
gender as potential key factors influencing the coach-athlete relationship. This review paper examined
studies specific to the empirical studies on athletes and coaches from the Western and Asian
perspectives. In particular, the review analysed empirical studies on communication, gender and
culture as potential factors influencing the coach-athlete relationship. The review concluded that while
various studies on the coach-athlete relationship had been done, a majority of the empirical studies
were within Western perspectives. Such empirical study is particularly under-researched in Malaysia.
Therefore, the paper concludes by suggesting that future research which explores the aspects of
communication styles, culture, and gender within the Malaysian context is timely.