Parent and child car-ride interactions before and after sport competitions and practices: Video analysis of verbal and non-verbal communication

•We video recorded parent-athlete communication during the car ride to and from practices and games.•There was a wide variety of verbal and non-verbal behaviours in parent-athlete interactions.•Parents spoke more than athletes, and parents often interjected before athletes could respond.•There were few instances of parents asking open, reflective questions.•Researchers should examine complex patterns of communication between parents and athletes.