The Case for Physical Punishment When Coaching

The Case For

The case for physical punishment when coaching is real and simple.

  1. coach is frustrated that the drills (or the players) aren't creating the change/focus they want
  2. coach enforces physical punishment on the players
  3. players work harder and implement the change/focus the coach want.
  4. This works. All coaches know it works.
So if we want to have a serious discussion about physical punishments as a coaching tool we need to acknowledge this first.

A True Story

I coached a player - crazy talented. They joined a full time training centre at 15, top 10 in passing and hitting at World Youth Championships, starting libero at the Olympics at 19. Quit at 21. At 20 I asked them why they were struggling and they said they found it really hard to push themselves self at training. I asked why and they said that from 15 to 19 they had a coach who would yell at them (children) to motivate them. They explained that they just didn't know how to work hard without someone screaming at that 'I was a c&^%'.

The Case Against

  • research shows that gains based on physical punishment are short term. That is, there is no retention so no actual learning occurred. Ever wondered as a coach how the players could have been doing something last week but now don't seem to have any idea what they are doing? This is probably why. The players change it sort term but didn't retain the learning.
    • SOLUTION - engage with the players so they are part of the learning process. This looks messier but has significantly better long term benefits
  • coaches often use physical punishments when they are frustrated or angry. If this is the case, you are on the wrong track.
    • SOLUTION - ask an assistant to remind you not to implement penalties when you are frustrated or angry. Make a note on your training plan not to do it. Anything really.
  • coaches often think there is no learning happening if players are not doing what the drill is 'supposed to be'. It might look messier or not quite work right.
    • SOLUTION - be patient. Remember that learning happens in messy situations, you just can't see it. Look at what is happening to see if learning opportunities are created, not whether it is running smoothly
  • coaches and parents think that the players will be toughed up. This is dangerous and correct. They will be toughened up, or they won't. Some will put up with it but some will not and will not come back. This is called Survivorship Bias, and is a massive issue in junior sport. The players who can put up with the coaching stay, the others do not and we just assume their experience was not valid because they were not 'tough enough'. 
    • SOLUTION - keep track of retention and churn in your teams and clubs. If children (and parents) are leaving, this might be a reason 
  • coaches run out of ideas on how to change behaviour and think this is their 'last option'. Then they see it work and feel better. This releases endorphins for the coach and they remember this feeling and are encouraged to do it again.
    • SOLUTION - be patient. If you run out of ideas then start from the beginning. Learning takes time and teaching is hard.
  • players get conditioned to expect punishment so they don't work hard until that point of training. Effectively, they learn that it only matters once they have the fear of punishment.
    • SOLUTION - don't be this coach

Grey Areas

Whenever I discuss this topic it makes people uncomfortable and one of the things that happens is the 'yeah but....' arguments, and the 'well...technically' arguments. So, yes, I acknowledge there are massive grey areas where context is important. Having said that,  I would suggest if you are trying to justify that coaching is actually in the grey area not over the line, then you are on the wrong track.

Advocacy

As coaches we need to support each other to be better and support coaching as a whole. Recognise quality coaching and talk to people about it. Talk to parents about it. Talk to club and HS management about it. If a team is playing hard and the coach is not being abusive, that is a good thing that should be rewarded. Tell someone. And if a team is winning with an abusive coach, don't give credit to the coach. Give credit to the players. Remember, the coach wasn't abusive BUT they won, they were abusive AND they won. The winning doesn't excuse anything.






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