What factors distinguish positive coaching from negative coaching? The distinctions are far more complex than simply being nice or nasty.

Coaching styles range from the classic “drill sergeant” style associated with Vince Lombardi to a hands-off approach described as laissez faire. Which style is best depends upon a number of factors including the coach’s personality, why the athletes have chosen to participate, the maturity of the athletes, and the specific task to be taught.

Effective coaches not only teach sports skills, they also help young athletes learn strategies for faster learning. Many athletes learn slowly because they lack skills relating to how to learn. Effective coaches try to develop progressions that teach young athletes the required skills for efficient learning.