Personality Theories in Sports

A coach who is unable to deal with the personalities of his players is doomed to a poor record and a disappointing season. By understanding his players' personalities, a coach can motivate them to work together and accomplish individual and team goals. John Wooden, Vince Lombardi, Billy Martin and all other effective coaches analyze player personalities and induce their teams to perform at their best. Successful methods for relating to personalities can be used by all coaches to improve results.

  1. Perceive

    • Observe how each player interacts with his teammates. Pay attention to actions and body language. Players can be divided into three personality categories, according to H. A. Dorfman in "Coaching The Mental Game." "Pleasers" are players who want to make the coach happy. They follow rules but lack initiative. A coach should challenge these players to step out of their comfort zone. Encourage them to take risks. Have them steal a base or swing at a three ball and no strike pitch. "Self-assured" players, says Dorfman, may take too many risks and seek to demonstrate independence. Have these players lay down a sacrifice bunt to learn team play. "Resistant" players might violate team rules and structure completely. Avoid altercations with these players. Get them to do what you want because they want to. Remember, you can dislike the player's behavior but still like the player.

    Connect

    • Show the players that you care about them and their concerns. As Dorfman instructs, focus on helping them develop a skill instead of blaming them for not developing it. Help them to understand how the values they learn through competition will serve them in life. For example, a batter who takes a pitch to allow a base runner to steal a base now has an opportunity to produce a run batted in. This teaches the value of patience and the benefit of working together.

    The Coach Is Not Their Buddy

    • Dorfman explains that a leader who gets too emotionally close to those he is leading is no longer a leader. Coaches should treat all players equally, regardless of their personalities. Unequal or different treatment of a player gives the perception of partiality toward that player. While the coach should acknowledge each player's personality, an imaginary line of respect should always exist between the player and the coach.

    Do The Correct Thing

    • As Dorfman explains, focus on doing what is morally correct, even when it could hurt the team's record. All players, regardless of their personality, respect a coach who directs according to what a situation calls for, instead of making personal demands. Players who observe a coach who makes morally correct decisions are likely to put aside their feelings for the good of the team. For example, a coach should remove an injured player from a game even though losing that player will affect the outcome. The players will respect the coach for making the correct decision.