How to Deal With the Silent Treatment From a Coach

While some coaches in sports use shouting as a method of expressing their disappointment with players, others use the silent treatment. When a coach gives a player the silent treatment, the coach often ignores the player, avoids being one-on-one with him and may make a point of talking to other players. Being the target of a coach's silent treatment isn't easy, but it doesn't have to make your sports experience miserable either if you know how to deal with it.

Instructions

    • 1

      Concentrate on your play and forget about the coach's anger. If you made him upset due to a poor play or a lack of concentration on the field, you may just as quickly win back his graces by performing well. Whether you're a member of a large team, such as football, or a small one, such as basketball, focus on the game and performing your role.

    • 2

      Talk to other teammates so you don't feel alone. Avoid bringing up the situation with the coach; at young levels of sport, a teammate may tattletale on you to win favor with the coach. Instead, talk with your peers about the game or other matters important to you. This process will remind you that others like you and that you have friends.

    • 3

      Ask the coach why she is giving you the silent treatment if you are unaware of what you have done wrong. Approaching her may give her an opportunity to explain her position. If, for example, you know what you did, such as arriving late to practice, offer an apology and a promise it will not happen again.

    • 4

      Explain the situation to a parent if the coach continues to give you the silent treatment after you have apologized for any wrongdoing. If you are young enough, your parent may intervene on your behalf and speak with the coach or file a complaint with the league. If you are too old to have a parent help out, speaking with a parent may allow you to get the story off your chest.