Coaching Female Athletes
Understanding Their Unique Needs

For years, there’s been a growing debate in the sports world about how to coach female athletes. The quote, “Coach us like men, but treat us like women,” originally made by Mia Hamm in 1995, has often been cited as a rallying cry to level the playing field. It came at a time when Tony DiCicco became the first male coach of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team. Yet, as important as this quote was in its time, it’s often been misunderstood and misapplied in the ongoing conversation about coaching female athletes. Let’s delve deeper.

Coaching philosophy is often a personal approach shaped by experience, values, and the goals of both the coach and the team. It is not one-size-fits-all, and while some may equate success with strict competitiveness, others focus on personal development and fair play. What’s often missing from this debate is the recognition that male and female athletes often experience sports differently, both physically and emotionally. And acknowledging this is not a matter of political correctness, but of understanding basic human differences.

The movement to “coach women like men” has become oversimplified over the years, and it’s often advocated without considering the complexities of how female athletes operate within team dynamics. The idea that women need to be coached exactly like men ignores both science and the social context in which female athletes develop.

Today’s research into sports psychology and team dynamics reveals a deeper truth: female athletes thrive when they are coached in ways that respect their differences without underestimating their potential.

It’s important to acknowledge that female athletes are every bit as competitive, driven, and ambitious as their male counterparts. However, research consistently shows that they often require different motivational strategies, particularly within team sports. This isn’t to say that girls are less capable of handling pressure or competition—it’s that their approach to it can differ.

Here’s what today’s research suggests:
 

1. Connection and Communication Matter
   Female athletes tend to value strong relationships with their teammates and coaches. Coaches who invest time in building trust, communicating openly, and fostering team unity tend to see better results from their female athletes. This doesn’t mean coaching with kid gloves; it means recognizing that emotional intelligence can be just as valuable as tactical acumen.
    
2. Collaboration Over Hierarchy
   While traditional sports hierarchies (captain, assistant captain, starters, etc.) are more easily accepted in male teams, female teams often function better when collaboration is prioritized over rigid hierarchy. Coaches should work to create an environment where leadership is shared and every athlete feels valued.
3. Confidence Building
   Female athletes are just as talented as their male counterparts, but studies show that they often face greater challenges in terms of self-confidence. Coaches need to be mindful of this and focus on building up their athletes, giving them the tools to believe in their abilities. Criticism should be constructive, with an emphasis on personal growth and team contribution.
    
4. Positive Reinforcement and Motivation
   Research has shown that female athletes generally respond better to positive reinforcement and encouragement. A coach who builds up their players—pointing out strengths while helping them work on weaknesses—will often see more engaged and motivated athletes. This isn’t about coddling; it’s about creating a balance between accountability and support.
    
5. Leadership Development
   Developing leaders within female teams can be challenging because of societal expectations that often discourage girls from being assertive or “pushy.” It’s important for coaches to create an environment where female athletes feel empowered to step into leadership roles without fear of judgment or rejection from peers.

Mia Hamm’s quote, “Coach us like men, but treat us like women” was a reflection of her time, but today’s approach needs to be more nuanced. Yes, female athletes deserve the same rigor, discipline, and expectations as their male counterparts, but the way they are coached needs to account for their unique team dynamics and psychological needs.

Tony DiCicco’s coaching philosophy, as laid out in his book “Catch Them Being Good,” was never about coaching women exactly like men. Instead, it focused on fostering chemistry within the team -using innovative strategies, including team-building exercises like “The Hula Circle” and “Knock Knock Who’s There” to strengthen bonds. While these exercises may seem unusual compared to the traditional male-centric coaching methods, they worked because they addressed the needs of his team.

Female athletes often thrive when they feel a sense of connection and belonging within their teams, and these games helped build that foundation. They weren’t just fun distractions—they were part of a larger strategy to cultivate unity, trust, and mental toughness, all of which are critical to team success.

The Modern Coach’s Role

Coaching female athletes isn’t about treating them like men or women—it’s about understanding their unique motivations and challenges. It’s about fostering an environment where they can thrive, both as individuals and as part of a team. As the world of youth sports evolves, it’s crucial that coaches evolve too—embracing new strategies, focusing on athlete development, and leading with empathy and expertise.

In today’s sports landscape, female athletes don’t need to be coached like men. They need to be coached like the powerful, resilient athletes they are, in a way that acknowledges their strengths and addresses their needs. The key isn’t to adopt a blanket approach but to adapt, learn, and create the best environment for all athletes, regardless of gender.

Coach Luc Tremblay is the Founder and Head Coach of Volleyball Winnipeg. Luc has been coaching volleyball for 30+ years with athletes of all age classes and all abilities. He has developed most of the training techniques used by VISION coaches and is responsible for the coach development program at Volleyball Winnipeg. For more details on our Coach Resources, click here.
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