Differences in Coaching Male & Female Athletes

A study by the Championship Coaches Network on the differences in coaching male and female athletes found that there's really more similarities than differences. In that regard, the study didn't want to be taken as derogatory and more as a psychological study. Any differences cited were meant as a way for both genders to learn from and to help them thrive in their respective sport.

  1. Female Response to Coaches

    • The Championship Coaches Network study determined that female athletes are more apt to be respectful of their coaches and work harder to attain goals. The study also found that female athletes are generally more open to ideas rather than inflating an ego. In turn, the female athlete will display gratitude to her coach and do whatever athletic techniques it takes to better her skills. However, the study insinuates female athletes shut down emotionally with a coercive style of coaching that the study cites as being used most often with male coaches.

    Male Response to Coaches

    • As a polar opposite to female athletes, the Championship Coaches Network study cites male athletes as not being initially respectful to a coach. The study cites male athletes as thinking they already know everything, and with the thought the coach needs to prove himself worthy. Males will have this attitude even more if the male coach uses a coercive style. Nevertheless, in the end, the study points out that a male athlete will tend to gain better results by the coercive style of coaching, even if that attitude might be temporary and instigate a further lack of respect with the coach.

    Confidence in Athletes

    • Another wide gender difference determined by the Championship Coaches Network study was that female athletes are more apt to have confidence issues. The study cites Mia Hamm, the famous soccer star, who dealt with severe confidence issues for many years despite her success. Yet, with the proper nurturing with a female coach on refocusing, the study says helping the female athlete learn from her mistakes can make all the difference. For males, though, the alpha male concept has the male athlete being too confident from the get-go. It's suggested that a coach keep the male athlete's ego in check by providing ways to improve. As well, the study points out that the male athlete can struggle with his confidence, though usually quietly. It should be addressed individually by the coach.

    Athletes Taking Criticism

    • Female athletes will take a coach's criticism personally, says the Championship Coaches Network study. And when the coach comes into a locker room and berates the performance of the team, many female athletes will blame themselves individually. The study suggests coaches take a constructive criticism approach toward female athletes. Male athletes, says the study, will generally deflect blame on a fellow teammate for failure rather than taking the blame individually.

    Team Chemistry

    • Working together as a team is an important factor for female athletes, concludes the Championship Coaches Network study. In fact, most women athletes don't have a feeling of hierarchy in their team and generally need to have the support of fellow teammates to succeed. For male athletes, though, the study says that they're more hierarchical in who the dominate person is on the team. In those scenarios, coaches should make sure male-dominated teams are all on the same page to avoid conflict.