problem with team...help!

gapsmack
Probationary Member

Posts: 7

problem with team...help! Aug 29, 2007 4:33:14 GMT -6

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Post by gapsmack on Aug 29, 2007 4:33:14 GMT -6

I've coached high school football for 14yrs. In a very tradition rich school. I'm at the j.v. level. this year seems to be like no other. I cannot seem to get this group of kids to perform.

they seem to have no heart, they don't play with any pride or leadership, they don't want to hit and do not hustle. i have tried yelling and correcting the problem at the end of practice. I've tried correcting the problem on the spot with push-ups and running. i have tried only saying something when they do things right, but then they take the next play off. I have tried replacing kids on the first team to no avail. As well as a number of other techniques. The middle school has not lost a game in 10 years and we (the j.v.) have not lost in 6 years; until last week; 9 Penalties and 6 turnovers. We were terrible in our scrimmage and seem to be getting worse by the day. They have talent but just do not seem to want to get it done.

I have 25 on the team, about 14 that can play and the rest are pretty scary to the point where if i put them against another teams starters i worry about their safety. any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

coachjim
Junior Member

Posts: 324

problem with team...help! Aug 29, 2007 6:09:14 GMT -6

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Post by coachjim on Aug 29, 2007 6:09:14 GMT -6

Personalize plays/names to create identity, give them ownership of the team in some areas which makes them more responsible to themselves and not coaches. Break them into smaller groups for better fundamentals and reducing boredom (esp linemen, rep cadence/form, fund on them slackers all alone for their penaltous perf. )

What plays do they get into and feel confident about? Research and/or install cool counters/add-ons to what gets them pumped up about football.

Don't play/identify cancerous growth. As you read this, who comes to mind immediately? The team probably would say the same indiv(s). Work them the hardest and most visibly, keep rewarding success. Kids respond to discipline differently. If you must shout, and some get obstinate or defiant, channel and use that emotion, its not heart, but anger is almost as useful. If you must shout... personally, as hc, I like to have my dc providing that service.

fbdoc
Executive Member

Posts: 3,260

problem with team...help! Aug 29, 2007 8:26:15 GMT -6

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Post by fbdoc on Aug 29, 2007 8:26:15 GMT -6

I like coachjim's suggestions. Another thing to consider is this might just be a group of kids where the innate talent is not what its been in the past. Everyone (well, most everyone) goes through cycles where the talent level goes down.

These are also the times where YOU need to be the master motivator and keep spirits high. The kids will eventually catch your enthusiasm and you'll start to play better which means more fun for everyone. Hang in there and coach em' up!

"He who has no guts to fight may leave, but we who stay and fight shall grow stronger. We few, we happy few, we Band of Brothers. For he who stays and sheds his blood with me today shall be my brother." Henry V

gunandrun
Sophomore Member

Posts: 139

problem with team...help! Aug 29, 2007 9:57:32 GMT -6

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Post by gunandrun on Aug 29, 2007 9:57:32 GMT -6

Set the expectations. Coach up those that make the effort and exclude the ones that do not. They will get the hint when you coach johnny up and joe does not get coached up because he goes through the motions. Play the kids, johnny, that earn it with how they practice. Honestly ask them how do they want to play. Do you want to play disciplined football or do you want go out there and play without a rhyme, reason,or effort? They always want the former.

Yelling brings you to a different level. Many kids turn yellers off right away. Try talking of simple expectations and the effort you expect. Punishment for not meeting expectations is a loss in playing time.

Be positive and cut the cancer out!!!!

gapsmack
Probationary Member

Posts: 7

problem with team...help! Aug 30, 2007 21:36:51 GMT -6

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Post by gapsmack on Aug 30, 2007 21:36:51 GMT -6

thanks for all you responses. we tied ...6-6 tonight. started out more of the same. midway through the 3rd we scored and things SLOWLY started to change hopefully it will carry over to next week when we play a very beatable team. Hopefully the taste of victory will change their minds. I sat my best player for the 2nd half and probably next weeks game also for talking back to me at 1/2 time.

i am the j.v. HC and the DC. the varsity HC is helping when he can. My assistant, the OC, had an heart attack Wednesday and that brings a new challenge. anyone out there want to call offense in south west Michigan??? JK I'm just trying to keep my chin up and be as positive as possible while still addressing the problems. Once again thanks....