How do handle a player that doesn't want to listen?

Pancake · **How do handle a player that doesn't want to listen? -** 02-27-2006, 11:55 PM

Tim,

I have a question, being a coach and president, I wanted to know how you would handle a player that continues to joke around on the court and fowls up. The only reason we keep him around is because he is a very good player, but the touretts like outbursts are distracting and in fact not sportsmen like.

Any help would be great

Troy · 02-28-2006, 08:59 AM

Take a course in the Philadelphia Eagles School of Player Management.

mycena · 02-28-2006, 03:42 PM

I'd just get rid of him. Being a very good player or not if he is bringing the team down, mentally and performance the benefits can't be that great. Or treat him like a dog. Praise good behavior (give him lots of sets, compliments his playing) and punish his bad behavior (play around him and ignore his bad attitude). If he acts like a child might as well treat him like one. Yeah I know I am not nice.

NewEnglandRT · 02-28-2006, 11:51 PM

I'd prefer to beat him stearnly.

It's tough, but if you want to keep him on the team you or another team leader should speak to him one to one. Calling him out in public would only hurt the situation.

Start by telling him that you appreciate the contributions that he does make. Then describe some observations you've made about his behavior. Ask him if he agrees that the behavior is out of line. Tell him how it makes you and the others on the team feel. Then say something to the extent of "I'd like to continue to have you on the team, but we can't be successful, untill we can all feel comfortable with each other. I'd like your commitment to make an effort on being more of a team player" or something. Continue to emphasise that you want to play with him during the conversation.

If he's not willing to make an effort.... 86 him. There are other players out there just waiting to find teams.

coachmanzi · 03-01-2006, 02:22 AM

uh, how about just benching the kid and not tell him why. Let him come to you and ask why he isn't playing. If he really wants to play, he'll ask. I've done it multiple times before, it works.

James · 10:02 AM

I think the best thing is to reprimand him in steps

NewEnglantRT's Suggestion first with a gentle lashing
then coachmanzi's
and then if those don't work mycena's suggestion

if a teammate is counter productive, it is useless how good he may play, cause it's not going to benefit the team. Remember VB is a TEAM sport
and one bad apple could spoil the bunch

spikedeclipse · 03-01-2006, 05:17 PM

I'm curious as to whether you have taken any steps to address the behavior in the first place. Does this player realize you don't approve of his behavior, or are you just letting him get away with it without saying anything?

If the player feels like they have control of the situation, it's just going to perpetuate.

mycena · 03-07-2006, 09:24 AM

Hey Pancake,
Any news on how your a fairing with the unruly teammate?

strazzere · 03-07-2006, 03:03 PM

Pancake –

Sorry for taking so long with this response. It’s been a hectic few weeks with volleyball, mid-terms and being sick – not to mention my duty as a college student to try and party as much as possible.

Dealing with disruptive players is a really sticky situation. I’m not sure if you’re a coach, player or player-coach; having been them all I’ve had the worst of all worlds!
If your strictly a coach, you have a lot more power – he/she isn’t you peer. I’d recommend taking them aside before or after practice, and not letting other players see/have knowledge of this. The last thing you want to do is “make an example” out of them, this will just make things worse. I usually start off by letting them know that they are representing something more than themselves… They represent the university in my case. Our team used to have a notorious record of being “bastards” on the court. Luckily, we’ve changed all that around.
It’s hard to explain these things to a player (especially young ones) without it sounding like a threat. Let them know, no one is too good for sportsmanship. Winning is important, but not the most important thing. Class is very important on the court, at least in my book.
Something I’ve noticed that helps is challenging the player. Make them earn their time, and if they goof off in practice – they don’t play. You play the way you practice, if you let them get away with everything in a practice environment it will carry over into the game situations.

If you a player-coach… Good luck, this is one of the hardest things to deal with. I’ve found it very difficult, since I’m younger than some of my players. Often they have the feeling that they “deserve” court time no matter what. I’ve told them flat out – I’m a coach first, player second – nothing is personal. It’s hard to keep it that way, but in most situations it works. I also like to remind my players at different times in the season – anyone can run the team, if they think I do a bad job at it they can run it themselves.
It’s tough having the power to do whatever you’d like, but knowing you can’t act like a king.

Hope this helps somewhat, it is a very tricky situation – and again, sorry for the delay.