Problem Players

[smittygk00]

So it's the beginning of the season and teams are getting their lineups and roster together. We all know of at least one player (either past or present) that was a big locker room distraction. Often times, these are the players that are big parts of your starting 11.

 

Since their are a lot of coaches here, what do you do about these players?

[socceraddict]

So it's the beginning of the season and teams are getting their lineups and roster together. We all know of at least one player (either past or present) that was a big locker room distraction. Often times, these are the players that are big parts of your starting 11.

 

Since their are a lot of coaches here, what do you do about these players?

 

woops. That was supposed to posted on this account. Forgot to logout of the other one. sorry smitty

[BigDog7]

So it's the beginning of the season and teams are getting their lineups and roster together. We all know of at least one player (either past or present) that was a big locker room distraction. Often times, these are the players that are big parts of your starting 11.

 

Since their are a lot of coaches here, what do you do about these players?

 

 

Several years back, I saw an interview with whom I believe is one of the greatest coaches I have ever seen, John Wooden. This was during the time when players and whole teams were threatening to "walk out" and other such nonsense because they didn't like the coach or his style. They asked Coach W about team discipline, etc. and he said "Coaches today have the greatest tool readily available to them to manage their players. It's called the bench. In the end, they all want to play." He then went on to tell the now famous story of Bill Walton showing up with a beard on the first day of practice, knowing there was a strict team rule against facial hair. He told Coach W that based upon his personal beliefs and convictions, he was going to wear the beard. Coach W told him "Bill, I respect a man who stands up for what he believes. We're going to miss you." The next day, Walton shows up clean shaven.

 

I've never coached at the high school level, but I've "coached" plenty of my own teams in the business world. If you have a problem player, you bring it to their attention, make it clear what the expectations are and that you want them to be a part of the success (an important point). If they don't come around, you terminate them. I've never failed to see the rest of the team come together, pick up the slack, and normally operate much more effectively.

 

I've watched John Calipari do this with the Memphis Tigers basketball and not only has he reinvigorated a program, but he has made the difference in the lives of a lot of young men.

[BigG]

Well said, BigDog.