Inside Out Coaching

By:  Joe Ehrmann


Coaching can satisfy the human urge to belong to something that provides
identity and meaning.  That’s why sports can attract a coaching type that I call
the misfit.  The misfit-coach needs his players’ acceptance and obedience.  He
needs to feel a part of the team even more than his players do.  This type of
coach gravitates toward youth league sports because status and title are easily
obtained there.  You are instantly dubbed “Coach,” and you are handed a group of
young developing minds heeding every word you say.  Parents generally fall in
line, not wishing to jeopardize Junior’s playing time.


Raising kids is the most complicated job in the world, but untrained coaches get
easy access to young developing brains.  Because most youth and recreation
leagues are largely dependent on volunteers, there is usually little screening
of the coach and training is rarely provided.  Between their deficiencies in
emotional intelligence and their lack of knowledge of player’s developmental
needs, misfit coaches can snuff out a player’s enjoyment and development before
preseason ends.


Knowing our children and listening to what they say about a coach are
fundamental to protecting them and helping them make sense of nonsense-making
coaches.


A misfit-coach thinks the ball fields and courts are places for him to fit in,
find an identity, climb up the social ladder, or simply feel needed.  Either
way, his goals and behavior can be destructive to a young athlete.