Why Do We Need Aversive Control For Athletes?

The most natural approach to eliminating mistakes or correcting an athlete is through aversive control using an assumption that if a coach makes a player fearful enough, they are more likely to change and perform well. “ In our society, aversive control through punishment is perhaps the most widespread means of control behavior (Smith, 2015). “John Wooden said, when you punish your people for making a mistake or falling short of a goal, you create an environment of extreme caution, even fearfulness. In sports, it’s similar to playing not to lose, a formula that often brings defeat” (Smith, 2015, p. 43). I concur with the late Coach John Wooden as well as Biswas-Diener (2010). Focusing on strengths (e.g., instead of punishment) is inherently rewarding and motivating (Biswas-Diener, 2010). In also concur that the intangible fuel (psychological force) that burns hotter than others with direction and purpose (e.g., purpose derived from pleasure, for example) with varying levels of intensity and efficiency to drive athletes to perform well is motivation (Vernaccchia, McGuire, & Cook, 1996).

Perhaps this technique could redirect the athlete toward the pursuit of excellence through a positive approach instead of having to succumb to the often used punishment approach. No change will ever occur if the psychological needs of an athlete are not met (Maxwell,