How to Deal With an Immature Coach

Immature coaches can bring down the morale of a team. They can also take the players' attention away from the game and the reasons players joined the team. An immature coach is someone who focuses team attention on himself, rather than the needs and progress of the team. He might be a persistent complainer, a coach who regularly throws fits or a coach who spends his free time talking negatively about a few of the players on the team. Knowing how to deal with an immature coach allows you to take a leadership role and keep your team’s focus on the game.

Instructions

    • 1

      Remain quiet and respectful during long, especially verbal, rants. Avoid interruptions or disagreements during these fits, as these actions could contribute to the coach’s frustrations. If your coach becomes violent, either toward you or objects nearby, remove yourself from the area and wait patiently for her to finish her fit.

    • 2

      Listen to your coach as he engages in loud outbursts, remembering that he might have some real point at the heart of his anger. Ignore any colorful language, or unnecessary descriptors, and look for any specific facts he says. For instance, if your coach is screaming about a lack of enthusiasm during a game, you can ignore any name-calling and finger-pointing, and realize that he is asking your team to show more effort on the field. Share this information with your team and encourage them to put out the effort the coach is requesting, making yourself the leader as you help the coach resolve the issue and encourage your team to succeed.

    • 3

      Speak directly to your coach when he makes a derogatory statement about another member of the team to you. Inform her that you would rather not engage in gossip about a fellow team member and encourage her to speak to the teammate about any issues that need discussion. If you know the other player well, suggest methods the coach can use to speak to the other player and elicit a positive response, such as speaking to her directly, speaking to her in private or talking to her after practice.

    • 4

      Provide encouraging feedback to your coach if he begins complaining about team issues, especially if your coach is prone toward long strings of negativity or seems to be looking for someone to which he can complain. Refocus the conversation on team advantages, such as the progress of one teammate or the advantage of the new formation. Suggest other future advantages to solve problems the coach brings up, acting as a problem solver rather than allowing the coach to turn you into his complaint buddy.