A well-structured, scientifically driven program with high performing athletes depend on effective coaching leadership. This entry summarizes the article from Foulds and colleagues (2019) ‘The coach–Athlete relationship in strength and conditioning: High performance athletes’ perceptions’. This article is based on the 3+1 C’s and the perception of high-performance athletes’ of S&C coaches. We bring insights about different pieces of the human performance puzzle that are important for a deeper understanding of effective leadership and coach-athlete relationship