Quick Read · 6 min · Athletes
When You're Struggling With Your Coach
Separate useful feedback, communication problems, role frustration, and unhealthy behavior.
Not all friction is the same. Hard feedback delivered badly is a communication problem. Being unclear on your role is a clarity problem. Neither is the same as behaviour that is demeaning or unsafe.
Name which one you're in before you decide what to do. The response is different for each.
For feedback and role issues, ask a direct question at a calm time. For behaviour that crosses a line, involve a trusted adult, athletic director, or support staff — that is not disloyalty.
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