champyun
Junior Member
Life is not a matter of holding good cards, but of playing a poor hand well.
Posts: 252
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Post by champyun on Jan 13, 2006 23:14:18 GMT -6
We have a group of Juniors (our Srs. to be) that are very laid back to the point of being almost non-competitive. Most have potential that has never been maximized and it looks as if they may never reach it. It's almost as if they do not want to step out in front and outshine their fellow classmates or take the spotlight. I have never had a group like this and it is testing me to say the least.
Anyone had a group like this? If so, what were some things that you did to help them along? Can it be done?
Any input would be appreciated.
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Post by coachd5085 on Jan 14, 2006 8:43:08 GMT -6
Things I learned in the old corporate world. If something is important, you must MONITOR it and REPORT it.
Translating this to football, I would make sure you grade the atheltes, their performances, their productivity etc. If the problem is as bad as you say, you could even start to grade out practices/workouts (Monitor).
Next you report it. Post the results somewhere publically. Make a big deal about those acheiving. Privately speak with those who aren't.
Just an idea
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Post by coachcarey on Jan 14, 2006 16:14:56 GMT -6
Motovation and Attitude.....
Players needed something to play for. It's not about the individual, but the team, making the team everything. It's the one for all an all for one attitude. It's the players that have to make the decision on what or why, they're playing. Senoirs (upper classman) have to be taken aside and advised of their leadership role in the program if they want to be sucessful. They set the tone. Trust me, peer presure works better than any speech. I don't case if you have won the conference evey year or looking for the first win, peer (player) presure works.
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champyun
Junior Member
Life is not a matter of holding good cards, but of playing a poor hand well.
Posts: 252
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Post by champyun on Jan 14, 2006 18:35:50 GMT -6
I agree coachcarey and thanks for your input. I've considered taking this group into the classroom and discussing their "roles" and what is "expected" of them. We'll see if it does any good.
coachd, I agree wholeheartedly with your suggestion to the grading of athletes in a bigger school, however, we are a small school with only about 26-27 kids (9-12) playing FB. I feel, at this level, grading is a useless tool when you don't have a backup to place in a low scoring player's spot. Small school coaches are notorious for making the statement, "they are all we have, so coach 'em up!"
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Post by saintrad on Jan 14, 2006 23:15:32 GMT -6
what is the leadership potential at the lower grades? no one ever said you have to have the seniors as the leaders. When true leadership shows up, all follow it regardless of its "rank".
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Post by coachd5085 on Jan 15, 2006 8:15:35 GMT -6
chamyun
The idea i was proposing wasn't grading to replace, but rather grading and POSTING the grades as semi-public feedback (team only). Let the older ones see that they will be held accounatble, and let the YOUNGER ones see how things should be done so that they are ready to take over the leadership roles when they are the older ones.
ONe of the bigger problems with small teams is the lack of competition. It isn't natural for 16/17 year olds to feel the urgent need to work hard and step it up when they are clearly the best player in that position on the team. They may be the best lineman on your team, (which is reinforced daily at practice) but still not at the level they need to be on Fridays. However the defeciency is only displayed once a week, and then it is back to being the best Saturday-Thursday.
Way back, I was in this situation. In fact it was probably one of the reasons I got into coaching. I was a 3 year starter on a very bad team, without having to push myself. I regret that my coaches never sat there and showed me the truth.
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champyun
Junior Member
Life is not a matter of holding good cards, but of playing a poor hand well.
Posts: 252
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Post by champyun on Jan 15, 2006 17:20:18 GMT -6
I see what you meant now coachd. Point well taken. I like the idea. I very well may use it. Keep 'em coming men, I can use all viewpoints. Thanks again to those that have responded.
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Post by coachd5085 on Jan 15, 2006 17:35:57 GMT -6
Not sure of your location, but if you are anywhere near a decent college team, it might not be too hard to see if you can schedule a "field trip" to watch them practice. I truly think the hardest barrier is to get kids who "think" they are working hard to truly realize what hard work is.
Of course, I am not sure if this is NCAA legal... Haven't read my NCAA manual in a LONG time...good riddance.
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Post by txdrawl on Jan 15, 2006 19:39:53 GMT -6
*Post everything! (At the 1A level ya can't necessarily fire 'em but you can establish in their minds the level of effort/passion/execution to be successful)
*Implement competition in your off-season program! (Individually and within small teams)
*T-Shirts for the athletes which attain certain standards within the off-season program! (Kids who earn them get to wear them during workouts rather than the old grey Russell t-shirt)
*Some other outstanding suggestions are on the board now which you should consider with your staff as to how it fits your program.
By the way Family Man...Ain't Got Time for a Tan!!!! Why didn't you tell me about this site? It is an outstanding resource for coaches of all levels!
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Post by coachnorm on Jan 16, 2006 15:00:41 GMT -6
Coach, laid back is often passive as well. I've had groups of kids who were laid back and passive even though they were good athletes. I found that increasing hitting drills in practice often helps. It won't cure all the world's problems, but maybe you can get them pissed off.
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