text: how do i play basketball next year without killing my coach? i am a 16 year-old female who plays on a team where i am the only one who plays like a guy - in my opinion, the right way to play. the rest play like girls, which is what the coach encourages. i do not understand why she coaches girls - she grew up with 7 brothers, and presently has 5 sons - go figure. she has no real knowledge of working with girls, who are obviously very different from guys. she encourages a social caste system, there is no blending of freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors - which makes it extremely difficult to have a team. mistakes are frowned upon, and with one mistake; depending who you are, you're yanked out of the game. if you are not on the top 6 or 7, you are useless to her - and yet she insists upon having a large bench of players. i have had an awful basketball experience, because i am different from the other girls, not only in the way i play but also socially, and the coach does not understand that girls are better coached as girls than boys. focus on things thay are within your control.  if the way you play is effective and helps the team, continue to play that way.  although, i'm not sure what you mean by you playing like a guy.  if it means more one-on-one moves then just keep in mind that an offense is in place for a reason.  take advantage of your opportunities without forcing shots.  do this and work hard and you can only hope that your coach notices.