This resource stems from a question submitted to the Ask PCA blog. Responses come from our experts including PCA Trainers, who lead live group workshops for coaches, parents, administrators and student-athletes.

"Several families pulled their daughters from the 12U club basketball team because coaches were extremely harsh and loud when they fell behind in a game. My daughter is now with a club that isn't as competitive, but whose coaching staff embraces PCA and believes in skill development more than win/loss stats. The problem: our daughter wants to return to her old team. She says she didn't mind getting yelled at and she misses her friends. Should we let her return or encourage her to give her new team more time?"

PCA Response By Eric Eisendrath, Former PCA Lead Trainer
I would strongly recommend you trust your gut instincts concerning this situation. Clearly, the reaction of the previous coaches was disconcerting enough for several families to remove their daughters. As the parents of a 12-year-old, my primary concern would be to place her in an environment that nurtures her love for the game, and allows her to learn and flourish.

Playing in an atmosphere where coaches are "extremely harsh and loud" is not conducive to maintaining a passion for the game or an atmosphere of player development. While your child may initially not be pleased because she continues to miss her former club, research supports your decision. Players coached in a "Mastery Climate" versus a "Win-At-All-Costs" climate perform better, are less anxious, work harder and stick to tasks longer. These are traits that will serve her well, both on and off the court.

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