I have seen many different coaching philosophies throughout my career as a basketball coach. Mike Rice is not the only guy to use the bullying tactic of fear. So it isn’t really a matter of being in awe of what he did as much as it is a question of why. Seeing the clips of his rants and antics during some practice sessions is, to me, a disgusting and disappointing scene. SNL had a funny skit with Melissa McCarthy portraying a female coach who acted like Mike Rice—very funny, but it demonstrated the absurdity of that methodology. Every coach has his or her own techniques and style that adds to a coaching philosophy. I’m not one who likes to criticize another coach because of all the different styles practiced, no matter what the sport, but there are very few who have succeeded in using a mean spirited approach in the teaching of a sport.
To an extent, there will always be a pedestal that many coaches are elevated to by the players, parents and supporters. That’s because in most cases, a coach is revered as a person of great esteem and superiority. I have had conversations with many coaches where, in some circumstances, we had agreements and disagreements about the methods of teaching to the learning curve of the student-athletes. My belief is that punishment is not a good learning tool, especially in coaching. For example, if there was a drill the kids didn’t understand, or execute properly, I would stop to redefine the drill and its purpose. I would do this versus the punitive tactic of putting them on the baseline to run, which is a negative reinforcement. A coach is a teacher. In math, if a student messes up a problem, it’s the teacher’s job to help them understand the correct way. You don’t put them out in the hallway and have them run up and down the corridor!
When one becomes a teacher or coach, he or she has to understand that not all of the students are going to be on the same learning curve, especially in comprehension. I do not believe, when performing in athletics, that kids make mistakes on purpose. So why punish them? In education, the teacher or coach has to deal with the frustration that not all of the students or players are going to be on the same page as you.
When I taught art, I was mainly a drawing teacher. I believed that I could teach anyone how to draw. I also understood that some students had the innate skill for rendering and some did not. It was my job to guide, with patience, those who wanted to learn that skill, no matter what level they could get to. Ideally, in the profession of educating, you would like to have everyone be on the same level of understanding the assignment, but in reality that just isn’t going to happen. Even teaching at a private school, where the students have to be tested to be accepted, there’s going to be a learning curve—it’s human nature. The worst thing a coach or teacher can do is to assume the individuals know what they’re talking about or demonstrating. You can be teaching five students the same lesson, but there’s the possibility of five different interpretations. This is a challenge that can frustrate a coach, and the mentor must learn to deal with this reality by demonstrating compassion for accepting the dilemma of those who are puzzled by the lesson or drill.
Bullying individuals for not performing to the coach’s expectations will just compound the lack of confidence the player might have. Coaches should be accountable for their behavior. A pep talk does not need to become an assault.
I hear the term “tough love” used over and over, but does the recipient understand that the embarrassment experienced in front of their peers is meant to inspire them? The use of reverse psychology, which is probably the most used and misunderstood approach in coaching, can turn into a situation of disdain between the coach and athlete that sometimes can’t be rectified. Count to 10, bite your upper lip, have compassion and practice patience for the players or students who are struggling because they’re not doing it purposely or for spite. In order to demand respect, it has to become a two-way street of give and take.
Obviously, Mike Rice was wrong and it cost him his job, along with athletic director Tim Pernetti, who was guilty by association. I understand, on behalf of the Alumni, there is a move to reinstate Pernetti. I believe that coaches need to remember that players don’t make mistakes on purpose and, most of all, team members are not all gifted with innate athletic abilities. It takes patience and empathy to have a successful career as a coach or as a volunteer coach. A simple, good rule to follow is to understand that the kids come first and it’s not about you, the coach.
