An Athlete's Experience of Tough vs. Toxic Coaching

"When tough, but healthy coaches challenged us to try new things in gymnastics-in particular, dangerous skills that lent themselves to feelings of fear and potential injury-they did so in a way that was safe and supported: with spots and soft mats as needed, with endless drills that broke down the skills into manageable parts, and with a calm temperament that built trust (e.g., with statements like "I've got you," "We'll do it in slow motion," "Do you feel ready for the next step?"). We had a say in what we were doing with our own bodies, and coaches were there for us through the ups and downs of the learning process."

"Toxic coaches, on the other hand, expected us to "throw" skills without appropriate instruction or safety precautions. They wanted to get us to the spectacle of the big tricks fast, which were worth greater points. The method? Threats. (If you don't throw it, you have to do 300 pushups... or you won't get to compete... or you're off the team.) This approach exacerbated fears and anxiety in many of us (and often led to increased injuries, on which we were expected to keep training)."

Tough, healthy coaches push athletes toward difficult skills while prioritizing safety, gradual progression, and emotional support. Coaches use spotting, mats, drills that break skills into manageable parts, and calm reassurance that builds trust and allows athlete input. Toxic coaches prioritize rapid spectacle and points, demand risky execution without proper preparation, and rely on threats, coercion, and punishment. That approach raises anxiety, increases injury risk, undermines trust, and stalls productive practice. Healthy coaching fosters long-term development, physical and psychological well‑being, and reliable teacher‑athlete relationships; toxic coaching substitutes fear for instruction and damages athlete welfare.

Read at Psychology Today