All-Star Coaching With A Negative/coercive Approach

I'll own it, I yell at my teams. Big time when they're really screwing around. I'm 90% positive, 10% screaming yelling crazy person. Usually the crazy comes out when they're talking too much, being disrespectful or slacking in general. Also when they're just generally not listening/doing stupid junk with their routine. But I coach only adults. Different kettle of fish than Senior and younger teams.

There is a distinct difference between being loud, and being degrading.

I find the guys respond really well to being pushed loudly. The girls are an even split. It ultimately depends on your team and the personalities of the people therein. You have to be able to read them to know what will work for them.

I believe that editing helps make shows money and gain views on YouTube...the more dramatic a show seems, the better.

Except for tumbling classes I've never been coached by a guy, but even then I can tell they get frustrated a little easier. I've only been a coach for about 8 months now, but I've just wanted to yell sometimes for my own sake. Coaches get just as frustrated as athletes. Why is it okay for football coaches to yell? When I was a high school cheerleader, I saw plenty of basketball players get taken out of the game and then yelled at. IMO everyone coaches differently and everyone learns differently too, it's just a matter of finding a team and a coach that's right for you.

I think most of this lies in editing. The yelling and screaming creates drama which drives more viewers. They may be positive as well and may only raise their voices once every couple of practices. But I can guarantee you those are the clips that will make it on air. It would be boring (to non-cheer obsessed people) to see friendly chummy coaches praise their team. I basically think it comes down to wanting more viewers.

I yell when the athletes do some dumb mistakes that just irritate me because they know better. Or If theyre messing around interrupting and not listening ill own up to that. Me as a person naturally coach in a loud voice but very 1 faced.

As for other coaching like on these shows I haven't cheer perfection I just choose bot to see it if I see all this yelling and see bad tech being taught I'd be hoping someone yells at the coaches. Lol ... As for coaching like party Ann and the preview from Eddie on smoed they produce great athletes and great teams that just their way of coaching its not for everyone .. don't like it? Go find another that suits you. Like party Ann said "she isn't for everyone"

As humans we get yelled at by our parents, teachers, etc and I think most kids learn to tune it out and the effectiveness fades
If you establish respect from the get-go then yelling is not necessary. Of course if a team is being lazy, unproductive, etc its not a good idea to let it slide. That being said, having a quick discussion with the team to make them aware of it, and then shifting the approach for that practice can be quite effective.
Example:
Team is tired, stunts are dropping , full outs are awful

You can
a) Yell at them, punish them, put them down, tell them they will lose
or
b) Find the source of the problem, have a quick discussion with the team , find a solution to heighten motivation/productivity

In my experience b is usually more effective because at the end of the day the motivation has to come from THEM. I have a hard time seeing how positivity and motivation can emerge from being told how awful I am.

Personally, I prefer to be coached by a coach who will yell when things aren't okay - I want to be pushed to the limit so I can be the best. It's kind of how I coach now - I'm calm and positive for the most part, but when kids get lazy or start making silly mistakes because they aren't being "cheer smart" all of a sudden, you best believe my vocal chords are being stretched.

FA_pinknation said:

In my experience b is usually more effective because at the end of the day the motivation has to come from THEM. I have a hard time seeing how positivity and motivation can emerge from being told how awful I am.

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It ultimately depends on your team and your style. As you said, this has been your experience.

I firmly believe that there are different gyms/programs for a reason, and one of the main ones is coaching style. My athletes know how I am. And yet, they're all still there, just as yours are with you based on your style. If they wanted a different style, they'd join a different gym.

XtremeWpg said:

It ultimately depends on your team and your style. As you said, this has been your experience.

I firmly believe that there are different gyms/programs for a reason, and one of the main ones is coaching style. My athletes know how I am. And yet, they're all still there, just as yours are with you based on your style. If they wanted a different style, they'd join a different gym.

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True, every gym has its style and norms. However there are clearly some methods that are more effective than others if you take into consideration the success, renewals, and growth of some gyms compared to others

Personally, I don't mind getting yelled at because I know at the end of the day it will make me better and stronger. I hate it when coaches try to beat around the bush to get their point across, just say it, it will be more effective, at least in my eyes. My issue is when coaches are only yelling and never giving any praise. I think to be the most effective coaches should be able to yell at their athletes yet also praise them when things are going right to maintain a good relationship. I think it's easy for coaches to get so caught up in the yelling and the bad things that are going on that they can forget about the good things that are happening which can be really frustrating for the athletes.

XtremeWpg said:

It ultimately depends on your team and your style. As you said, this has been your experience.

I firmly believe that there are different gyms/programs for a reason, and one of the main ones is coaching style. My athletes know how I am. And yet, they're all still there, just as yours are with you based on your style. If they wanted a different style, they'd join a different gym.

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I think from a Mom's point of view who has been at gyms with closed practices and with open practices, I think the best coach gets to know and respect his/her athletes and their intricacies. Everyone responds differently to yelling. I know it can be interpreted as favoritism when certain kids don't get yelled at but those kids are probably not getting yelled at because the coach knows it isn't going to be effective. My daughter does well when she isn't being mocked or made fun of. She has had a coach tell her she looked like a RE-RE and a crazy monster when going from spot to spot. This when she was young and it hurt her feelings and then she just begins to hate the coach. She doe privates with a coach that is a yeller but it comes across as I know you can do it and I know you you can do better.

FA_pinknation said:

True, every gym has its style and norms. However there are clearly some methods that are more effective than others if you take into consideration the success, renewals, and growth of some gyms compared to others

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I have to somewhat disagree. CJA and Cali seem to use the 'harsher' of the two schools of thought, and still are successful. Cheer Athletics appears (from all videos I've seen) to use the 'gentler' approach.

It all comes down to the athletes and their needs. I'll never say that your way, my way, or anyone's way is better. Each is different. Its basically a Pepsi vs Coke situation.

IMO yelling and degrading are two totally different things.

My opinion is that respectful yelling is A-OK. In the Senior divisions. Youth Silver? Not so much.

You never should degrade someone - so, yes....it is about knowing your athletes. But if everyone was able to guide and internally motivate themselves....at all times....how much would coaching be needed? Sometimes Senior age athletes get goofy and need a bit of reigning in. If you are 12 or 13 and can't handle that, then cheer on a Junior level team.

I do also think the level of commitment and intention of the team factors in. Cali Coed is obviously a high stakes serious team. Don't want that level or pressure and need to perform? Then don't play that game. There are teams out there where it is more about fun.....even at the Senior level. So match your commitment level with the commitment level expected from the team.

cheer9497 said:

IMO yelling and degrading are two totally different things.

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I couldn't agree more. My CP has had coaches who yelled at and at belittled her. They completly lost her as she just shuts down. She has coaches who will yell to correct her. She responds to that approach and tries even harder.