Very good advice about negative reinforcement. I do see its value as our team was punished in basketball for a rude interaction with another schools workers and even though it was a few people doing this, the entire team had to run sprints the following day.

I think that type of punishment is fair and may help with speed while teaching discipline.

But positive reinforcement works far better for building relationships between coach/player. Sports are awesome, but if you are respected as a coach by players, you not only have the chance to have a great team, but also to do something far more important. You can mentor and make a real difference in a players life. You might be able to help them through depression or the loss of a family member.

I know which coaches I would go to with problems, and which ones I would avoid like the plague.

I'm sorry your father didn't see the value in positive reinforcement. Many times parents project themselves onto their children and demand perfection and to be better than they themselves ever were.

I had the pleasure of a supportive dad who coached and made everything fun while still pushing us to do our best. He coached me in baseball and we shared some great wins and losses and memories together. The only time he was ever really critical of me was when I would let my anger get the best of me and throw a helmet after striking out or if he knew I wasn't throwing as hard as he knew I was capable of.

Glad that you have seen your fathers shortcomings and are able to work with some students who really want to put forth the effort to be as good as possible.