Coaching Styles Pretentious Pete Never admitting to an

Coaching Styles • Pretentious Pete Never admitting to an error, Pretentious Pete finds he doesn’t get the respect he demands because he doesn’t show any for his athletes. When speaks, they tune out much because what he says never really amounts to much or is negative. Pretentious Pete has not yet learned that he cannot demand respect; it must be earned. Do you have credibility with your athletes or are you like Pretentious Pete? Rate your credibility, 1 2 3 4 5 Very Low Very High

Coach Badnews Most of the words and actions of Coach Badnews are negative, sometimes almost hostile. She frequently criticizes her athletes, increasing their self-doubts and destroying their self-confidence. She is slow to praise, as if it is not ”coachlike” to say a kind word. When an infrequent kindness is uttered, it is usually overshadowed by other negative comments. Are you primarily positive in the messages you deliver or are you like Coach Badnews? Rate the degree to which your messages are positive or negative. 1 2 3 4 5 Negative Positive

The Judge consistently evaluates his athletes instead of giving them instructions. When players err, The Judge places blame rather than providing feedback or information about how to correct the error. When the players do well, The Judge cheers them on but doesn’t know how to instruct them to achieve advanced levels of skill. Do you give ample feedback and instruction or are you like The Judge? Rate your extent to which the content of your communication is high in information or high in judgment. 1 2 3 4 5 High in Judgment Information

Fred Fickle You are never sure what Coach Fred Fickle will say next. Today it’s one thing, tomorrow it’s another. Last week he punished Billy for fighting, but not Michael, who happens to be his star goalie. He tells the players not argue with the officials , but then constantly does so. Are you consistent in your communication or are you like Coach Fred Fickle? Rate the consistency of your communication. 1 2 3 4 5 Inconsistent Consistent

Coach Gabby is the most loquacious person you ever met. She consistently gives instructions in practice, and when not yelling advice to her player during the contest, she is muttering to herself on the sidelines. She is so busy talking that she never has time to listen to her athletes. It never occurred to her that her players might like to tell her something rather than always being told. Are you a good listener or are you like Coach Gabby? Rate how good a listener you are. 1 2 3 4 5 Not Good Very Good

Old Stoneface never shows emotion. He doesn’t smile, wink, or give his athletes a pat on the back. Nor does he scowl, kick at the dirt, or express disgust with them. You just don’t know he feels, which leaves some of the young players feeling insecure. Are you able to communicate nonverbally or are you like Old Stoneface? Rate your nonverbal communication skills 1 2 3 4 5 Weak Strong

Professor Gobbledygook The Professor just isn’t able to explain anything at a level understandable to his players. Either he speaks to them as if they were fellow professors or so obliquely that the players are let confused. In addition, the Professor, who is used to dealing with abstractions, is unable to demonstrate the skills of the sport in a logical sequence so that the athletes can grasp the fundamentals. Are you able to provide clear instructions and demonstrations or are you like Professor Gobbledygook ? Rate your ability to communicate instructions 1 2 3 4 5 Weak Strong

Coach Jellybean just doesn’t seem to understand how the principles of reinforcement work. Although he often gives jellybean rewards to his athletes, he reinforces the wrong behavior at the wrong time. When faced with misbehavior, he either lets the misbehavior pass or comes down too hard on the athlete. Do you understand the principles or are you Coach Jellybean. Rate your skill in rewarding and punishing athletes. 1 2 3 4 5 Not Skilled Highly Skilled

Coaches’ Communication Awards • 36 -40 Golden Tongue Award = You are destined for success • 31 -35 Silver Tongue Award = Good, but you can be better • 26 -30 Bronze Tongue Award = O. K. , but you have plenty of room for improvement • 21 -25 Leather Tongue Award = Given to those who frequently place their foot in their mouth • 8 -20 The Muzzle Award = Until you improve, wear it. You can grow if you are willing to change some of the bad habits

Give Yourselves a break