|
Post by rbush on Oct 11, 2008 12:12:08 GMT -6
The past three weeks I've noticed something disturbing about our team. The last three teams we've played are very good. We have been playing well to open the games. The defense goes hard, executes their assignments, and tackles low. Offensively the line sustains blocks and our backs get upfield.
The problem occurs if the other team hits a big play. We have a number of head cases on our team and they begin throwing tantrums when things go wrong. We've already dealt with the outward expression of these; throwing or banging helmets, etc. The problem is I know the kids still get so angry and frusturated that they lose their focus and start blowing assignments.
This is our staff's first year here and I know the kids don't get this from us. I'm the most fired up and loud coach on the sideline and I neither panic nor go off on players or refs.
Does anyone know any ways we can address this in practice? One thing we are going to do is condition first and make them learn and execute tired, in case that's contributing as well. But any suggestions on how to practice mental fortitude would be much appreciated.
|
|
|
Post by airman on Oct 11, 2008 12:54:03 GMT -6
we are facing a uphill battle on this in todays society. self control is not some thing which is considered an honor in western culture. freedom of expression is encouraged but it has gone to the extremes now. there is a time and a place for freedom of expression.
I think with the decline of the two parent family(all living in the same house) where kids have a structured lifestyle is for the most part gone. the divorce culture is where we are at right now. Do as I please instead of make sacrifices to keep together. Kids see this and this is what they know.
I think you need to point it out on film and condition those who lack control.
At virgina tech they had problems with athletes getting personal foul penalites as a result of lack of control. they now run on sprint per yd of the penaltiy. 15 strints for a 15 yarder.
|
|
|
Post by coachorr on Oct 11, 2008 13:21:01 GMT -6
When a kid slams his helmet on the ground during a game; go over take it from him and hit him in the nuts with it and say, "That's what you get B---". And then walk away.
No, in all reality, this is a tough situation to deal with and I think it is cyclical. Meaning, some teams are more prone to do it than others year in and year out. One thing I would do in addition to talking about in practice and in films, is telling the team that playing football for this team is bigger than all of us. The name on the front of the jersey is more important than the one on the back. And constantly talk about pride and representing the team not the individual. As you know, the consistency of this mentality should help to correct what is ailing your team.
Another approach, which could drastically backfire and is not highly reccommended but can have an instant impact, is to set the kids aside who did this during the game, have them take their helmets and pads off and stand on the sideline. Then line the team up on the goal line and have them condition for each infraction. I like 100 yards of bear crawl hit its for each person sitting out.
Explain to them the reason they are conditioning is because of those who think they are more important than the team. And turn and point to those who are standing on the sidelines. Explain to them, that by acting out and doing things that are intentional unsportsmanlike acts, that they are saying by their actions, that they do not care about their team or their teammates, because if they did, they would not act this way... as individuals who draw attention to themselves. After the 1st hundred, ask those kids who are sitting out, if they want to let their teammates continue with the conditioning or are they willing to apologize for their acts and perform the consequence for acting this way for their team.
Again, I have only been in a situation where this was done once and one of the kids who did not condition walked off the team. I would not recommend it, but this situation is bigger than just a few childish kids and it will fix the problem instantly.
|
|
|
Post by coachorr on Oct 11, 2008 13:28:54 GMT -6
Also tell them that their only job is to take care of "us" and that is all we can really do. We can't change what the refs call, what the other team did, the weather any of that. We as a team can only do what we are supposed to do and take care of "us".
All that other crap is causing them to lose focus of playing the game.
|
|
|
Post by towtheline on Oct 11, 2008 23:24:53 GMT -6
Tell them that if they desire to win like a champion they must first learn to lose like a champion.
|
|
|
Post by justryn2 on Oct 13, 2008 14:27:59 GMT -6
RBush, I think you're on the right track by putting conditioning at the beginning of practice. In fact, I've had a similar situation this year and I've started doing the same thing. We spend at least the first 20 minutes of practice running; 5-10-5's, 40 Yd sprints, 40 Yd air raids. Then, any time anyone fails to go all out, we stop for some push ups or hit 'ems.
I've also talked to the team a lot lately about toughness. I see these little tantrums as a lack of toughness and that's what I tell my players. "Football is a tough sport and, if your not tough enough to play it without whining and crying, turn in your pads and go home." I think things are changing. Each week we played a little tougher and a little better. I think we've turned the corner on this but I still plan to start every practice with some VERY tough conditioning drills.
|
|
|
Post by PSS on Oct 13, 2008 18:54:24 GMT -6
This brings up some good points. I too agree that the lack of parents at home or even in a lot of cases parents being to lenient is a large problem we as coaches and educators face. Too many times the students and athletes we coach get away with whatever they want at home with no consequences. Thus, when they are held accountable at school they carry it to the extreme because no one has ever told them "NO" you will not act like that.
Justryn had a great reply. You have to develop toughness because these kids do not know what being tough and going through tough times are about. They have always gotten what they wanted when they got upset.
Idea: Put them in tough situations in practice and have them overcome them. Goal line defense or offense, special teams practices, etc.
Also, make sure that you make it clear that everyone's job is open every week depending on their performance. Grade the film. If they don't perform then replace them. Lessons have to be learned. They have a chance to win it back but they must overcome adversity.
|
|
|
Post by saintrad on Oct 13, 2008 23:27:41 GMT -6
rbush-
we have a simular problem here with our "skill players" not being coachable, lacking sustainability, and are very "me" centered, but we have the added issue of having to fill positions every year and not have competition for positions every year. We have in fact had several of our upcoming players tell us that they aren't going to do summer lifting since those that don't lift get to play anyway. I sympathize with you and hope both of our teams turn around.
|
|