Let's continue to give you some ideas of 'how to' handle the various personalities that you might face during your youth coaching career:
THE SHY, INTROVERTED ATHLETE
Problem: Crushed or passive ego. Dominated by older brother/sister, intimidated by father or bossed by mother.
Signs:
- Will hide in the background and rarely let himself be known
- Will wait to be picked rather than volunteer.
- Will play wherever the coach puts them.
BAD SOLUTION:
A tough-minded coach will start shouting, thinking this will motivate the child.
- This is senseless and counter-productive.
- Feelings of rejection result in further withdrawing.
- Name calling, such as 'sissy', 'coward', have the same negative results.
GOOD SOLUTION:
There is a need for support and encouragement.
- "Follow the instruction to pass the ball and if you can't do it, it will be my fault for not teaching your right".
- Here the coach assumes any burden of error and helps the player to concentrate.
LACK OF EMOTIONAL CONTROL
Problem: Hothead when he doesn't get his way. He pouts, cries easily. Has an inability to concentrate, or he lets his feelings interfere with getting the job done.
Signs: mentioned above...
BAD SOLUTION:
Coach looks at himself as a child trainer and tries to get rid of the problem through tough discipline and punishment.
GOOD SOLUTION:
Parents should let the coach know of the problem.
- The coach can give a pre-season talk on certain rules that will be adhered to by all the team members.
- Compliment good behavior of the child with the problem.
- Parents use similar method of recognition and reward for display of proper behavior.
- Openly recognizes the players who show stability or a trait you want the rest of the team to pick up. Peer group pressure.
- Parents and coach must work hand in hand in this problem, otherwise the coach may blame himself for causing the problem and now work at it.
THE BULLY
Problem: One-upping of other players and sometimes even beating them up.
Signs: The child tries to get his own way. He is obnoxious, constantly interfering, always volunteering. He must be in the front line. Aggressive physically and verbally.
BAD SOLUTION:
Coach demonstrating the same aggressive traits, that simply sanctions the player's behavior.
GOOD SOLUTION:
Have a discussion with the player and point out what they will try to correct together during the coming season.
- Point out the type of action that is considered...pushy...
- As each incident comes up, you should talk to the player, give player a chance to express his side of things.
- You must be consistent. Stopping the behavior one-day and ignoring it the next time is bad. You must talk to the player after each incident.
- It is vital that the coach recognizes incidents where control is shown and compliments must follow.
- Let the parents know what is going on, for some parents are proud of this type of behavior for they see it as aggressiveness.
HYPERACTIVE PLAYER
Problem: Unable to settle down for any period of time.
Signs: Fidgeting and moving around all the time. Can only keep mind on one thing and then for a short period of time.
BAD SOLUTION:
Approach the child with no patience or calm.
- Trying to talk the player out of this behavior won't work as it is physical.
GOOD SOLUTION:
Keep the child constantly occupied, but with minimal amount of thinking.
- Time to work by himself...away from the team.
- If possible give him the personal contact and attention that is crucial to bringing about greater individual control.
- Soccer can be an invaluable asset to the hyperactive child if the coach does not lose his cool.
PRESSURED BY THE PARENTS
Problem: Scolding and rejection calls from the sideline after making a mistake.
Signs: Watch parental actions when the child is playing.
BAD SOLUTION:
Screaming from your point only supports the parent's view of his or her own child. Example: "What is the matter with you?"
GOOD SOLUTION:
Strive to become the "good parent" rather than the pressure one.
- Convince each player that you are on their side, there to help them make the team and learn the sport not to judge or criticize.
- That he will be evaluated on his progress not his failure.
- Let them know you understand that learning the skills of the sport and execution of these skills under stress is tough.
FUNdamental Reader: do you have any 'personality types' that you would like us to research. Or, do you have any solutions to the personality types we have already mentioned. Please send your suggestions and ideas to us! Thank you.
