Research of gender factors has found that in careers differences between male and female modes of action are characterized by inequality of opportunities. The models of behavior are influenced by stable stereotypes of male and female careers. At the same time, ideas about a woman’s career are formed, as a rule, in comparison with a man’s. For example, while male coaches can be found in any sports team, both male and female, the situation is quite different for female coaches. The problem of a female coaching career is often associated with restrictions in working with men (Parker et al., 2017). This paper discusses the differences between male and female coaching styles and argues that one is not better than the other, but they differ and, therefore, must be equally respected.
What concerns male vs female coaching styles, despite none of them is better or worse, they differentiate when coaching the opposite sex. That is why experts note the need to take into account the cognitive characteristics of both coaches and athletes as a serious factor in improving the quality of the training process. Compared to men, women are more disciplined and inclined to learn, diligent and meticulous. They require emotional support more than men and accept advice with gratitude (Reddy, 2019). Society sees women as more emotional and impressionable, as well as less self-confident and resistant to stressors. Women are distinguished by higher adaptability, better learning ability, coachability, and educability (Janssen, 2017). In the process of sports coaching, men are mainly focused on success and victory while women concentrate on self-improvement (Goldman, 2017). Women are more observant and resourceful in overcoming difficulties and obstacles. They are less inclined to solving promising, strategic tasks, focusing on current ones.
Men and women also differ in such an important ability for successful coaching and competitive activity as confidence, which has various manifestations: confidence in their characteristics, skills, the ability to make the right decision and achieve the planned result, and others. It has been established that women are much less confident in traditionally masculine sports (Millard, 1996). The more masculine the activity is, the lower the confidence of women in comparison with men. In typically female activities, women are more confident than men. An increase in men’s confidence is mainly provided by advantages over rivals in coaching and competitive activities (Murray et al., 2018). The development of female athletes’ confidence largely depends on the support of coaches and teammates (Rosenstein & Schwartz, n.d.). All this must be taken into account when coaching male and female teams.
Types of attitudes in male coaching also differ from female ones. Women need emotional support, and this is exactly the kind of support a female coach can provide. It is easier for women to work on long workouts than for men because men are aimed at quick results. Instead, women are more tuned in to pedantry in their work (Goldman, 2017). The methods of interaction are also different in male and female coaching. The logical method is more intended for men’s teams since men are pragmatists. Situational coaching works better for women since they need more gentle methods of achieving goals. Here, coaches should understand that they can get away from their program and be more creative.
To conclude, the differences between men and women in coaching are mostly subtle, but the cumulative effect can be quite significant. Female coaches generally possess such qualities as warmth, friendliness, empathy, and support. Male coaches are more persistent, better at decision-making and problem-solving. Differences in coaching techniques characteristics are based on biological differences, but the socio-cultural factor also has a huge impact. While women possess such qualities as enthusiasm, compassion, politeness, discipline, and openness, men are characterized by perseverance, hard work, and intelligence. It concerns both the general differences in the techniques of male and female coaches and the ways of coaching the opposite sex.
References
Goldman, B. (2017). Two minds: The cognitive differences between men and women. Sex, Gender and Medicine.
Janssen, J. (2017). Special report: Discover the 8 differences between coaching men and women – Part 1. Championship Coaches Network.com.
Millard, L. (1996). Differences in coaching behaviors of male and female high school soccer coaches. Journal of Sport Behavior, 19(1), 19-31.
Murray, P., Lord, R., & Lorimer, R. (2018). The influence of gender on perceptions of coaches’ relationships with their athletes: A novel video-based methodology. The Sport Journal, 2018, 1-12.
Parker, K., Menasce Horovitz, J., & Stepler, R. (2017). 2. Americans see different expectations for men and women. Pew Research Center’s Social & Demographic Trends Project.
Reddy, K. (2019). Male vs female leadership: Differences and similarities. WiseStep.
Rosenstein, J., & Schwartz, C. (n.d.). How to coach teammates: A key responsibility of effective leaders. Wavelength by Asana.