I would like to know more about the psychological characteristics of a coach. I need this type of information for a paper that I have to write on the subject. Thanks in advance.

-- Surea van Schalkwyk (pietvs@netactive.co.za), August 06, 1998

Answers

Hi Surea, My answer derives from anecdotal experience and not from empirical evidence. One observation I have made of swimming coaches is that they seem to have more creativity and a shorter attention span than other folks do. I've witnessed some successful coaches have intensely focused attention at some times and a "spacey" quality at others. This observation has led me to wonder if coaches might be diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder at a higher percentage than the non-coaching population. It seems possible that people who are active and unfocused would be attracted to a job as a coach, where they would not have to sit at a desk for hours? Good luck!

-- Jen Carter (jecarter@wsunix.wsu.edu), December 20, 1998.

I agree. I am a junior in college and have been playing soccer since I was five years old and have seen my share of coaches. In fact I am on my third just in the three years I've been in college. Most coaches I have had have been very hyperactive. It seemed like they could never sit still. The good coaches I have had have been honest, patient people with good communication skills and warm personalities. This fact is contrary to the majority but maybe that's why there are so few good coaches.

-- Theresa Rosbert (trosbe1@umbc.edu), January 15, 1999.