Understanding Player Behaviour Styles: Enhancing the Game through Individualized Coaching with Danielle McDonough

Hockey isn’t just a sport; it’s a dynamic team activity that requires a deep understanding of each player’s behaviour and communication style. Coaches play a vital role in identifying these behaviour styles to optimize player performance and foster team chemistry. Once defined, coaches can leverage this knowledge to empower their teams.

Danielle McDonough, author of The Empowered Athlete: Self-Confidence, Self-Acceptance and Self-Worth: An Athletes Guide to Excellence, from Anaheim, California, born to Canadian parents from Calgary, Alberta, was naturally introduced to hockey at a very young age. Started with skating and transitioned to playing hockey by the age of five, McDonough’s journey involved full-contact play as there were no female teams at the time. However, at the age of twelve, the state of California brought together female players in similar situations, creating a team that offered new opportunities. Eventually, she gained attention from college scouts and joined Providence College in Rhode Island, where she captained the team during her final year.

 

 

After completing her college career, McDonough ventured into professional hockey, playing in the NWHL for two years. Following her playing career, she pursued her passion for understanding the psychological aspect of sports, earning a Master’s Degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology. With over thirteen years of experience, McDonough now works with athletes, coaches, and parents, to help them navigate the mental side of performance.

Having experienced the intricacies of hockey firsthand, our hockey enthusiast emphasizes the need for coaches to adopt an individualistic approach when coaching a team. Recognizing that not every player responds to the same coaching methods, communication styles, or information absorption techniques. McDonough stresses the importance of tailoring coaching strategies to the unique characteristics of each player.

Traditionally, a “one size fits all” coaching approach may have been prevalent, but science and psychology have highlighted the benefits of understanding and coaching each player as an individual. By embracing this approach, coaches can unlock the full potential of their players, leading to effective communication, enhanced team chemistry, and increased player confidence.

The DISC Assessment

To assist coaches in identifying behaviour styles and preferences, McDonough utilizes the DISC Assessment. An athlete-specific version of the assessment helps both athletes and coaches become more self aware of their motivations, fears, strengths, and communication styles.

Unlike a personality test, the DISC Assessment focuses on behaviour, which can be adjusted and modified depending on the situation. For instance, while some players respond well to firm and direct feedback, others may require a more empathetic approach. By utilizing the assessment, coaches can understand how to communicate effectively with each team member, thereby optimizing their coaching strategies.

 

 

The DISC Assessment identifies four primary behaviour styles in players:

Dominance (D): 

• Characteristics: Decisive, daring, argumentative, demanding, dominant, and high ego. 
• Coach Approach: Direct and assertive feedback, avoiding excessive fluff, and appealing to their competitiveness. 

Influence (I): 

• Characteristics: Enthusiastic, emotional, persuasive, optimistic, and the masters of leading. 
• Coaching Approach: Engaging and interactive instruction, focusing on maintaining their attention and providing clear and concise explanations. 

Steadiness (S): 

• Characteristics: Patient, peaceful, calming, loyal, and relationship-oriented. 
• Coaching Approach: Personal and 1-on-1 conversations, providing reassurance, and creating a safe environment for learning. 

Conscientiousness (C):

• Characteristics: Followers, perfectionists, precise, risk-averse, and detail oriented. 
• Coaching Approach: Clear explanations, answering questions, providing all the necessary information, and emphasizing the importance of doing things "the right way".

Effective communication is key to maximizing player development and team performance. Coaches must adapt their feedback and instructions to suit the behaviour styles of individual players.

Tailored Drill Explanations:

• Ensuring drills are explained in multiple ways to accommodate different learning styles and potential challenges, such as dyslexia or shyness.

Feedback and Criticism:

• Providing feedback in a manner that suits each player’s behaviour style.
• Direct and public feedback for D players.
• Private and supportive feedback for I, S, and C players.

 

 

In the world of hockey, recognizing and understanding behaviour styles is crucial for coaches to optimize player performance, foster team chemistry, and enhance communication. By embracing an individualized coach approach, coaches can empower athletes, helping them reach their fullest potential on and off the ice. The use of assessment tools like the DISC Assessment further aids coaches in identifying behaviour styles and tailoring their coaching strategies accordingly. With this knowledge, coaches can build stronger connections with their players, leading to a more positive and successful team dynamic.

By empowering athletes through tailored coaching, we pave the way for a brighter future in the world of hockey, nurturing not only skilled players but also confident and fulfilled individuals.

PRO TIP: After assessing each player, give them a designated colored sticker for their helmet to identify their behaviour styles. This will help coaches remember how to coach certain individuals on the ice and avoid calling players out in front of others.

 

Blog written by Kelsey Dold in collaboration with Danielle McDonough

July 13, 2023

 

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