Originally Posted by
Bremsstrahlung
Each player is different. Some respond well to "tough" "hard love", and have a point to prove and do it. Others will crumble under the constant pressure.
Personally, having played under a variety of different personalities, I performed best under a coach who will let you know it's not good enough, but will offer advice and encouragement on how to make it better an praise you when you did rectify it. Far too many coaches expect their players to be robotic, do things by the book and rarely make mistakes. While playing, I've heard opposition coaches absolutely nail their players on the field, loudly, so everyone can hear. This does absolutely no good for them. When I Captained, i found the best approach was to always be positive, as the negativity often loses you respect in some way shape or form and dashes the player's confidence. "C'mon mate, can't lose it there, let's win it back now..." "Head up, win the next one!". And a simple "good job" when they do something good, leaves everyone feeling that bit better about it. I guess that's the mental approach to coaching which is an entirely different debate.