Your squad is made up of
different individuals with in some cases vastly different backgrounds.
Nevertheless it’s your job to mold them into an effective unit.
In my experience most young
footballers fall into three categories:
1) The Pop Star.
2) The Rock.
3) The pain in the ass.
1) THE POP STAR A naturally talented player, who is gifted
beyond belief. An absolute prima- Donna, this individual believes that you can
not succeed without him or her in your squad. They hate fitness routines and
generally dislike youth football coaching drills. They are not team players and
have no regard for their team mates. They want to do it all, from taking throw-ins
to handling free kicks and penalties. They are there to impress and do not
listen to instructions. This type of player is difficult to manage and can
certainly damage your squad.
As
a coach you need to ensure that this player fits in with your plans or moves
on. They need to be reigned in and made to work with fellow team mates. Never
stroke their ego and never let them overturn your decisions.
2) THE ROCK A player that is always reliable works hard,
is committed to the team and never quits. These players are not that gifted,
but what they lack in skill they make-up for with loads of enthusiasm. Never a
problem.
3) THE PAIN IN THE ASS A player that is forced to
attend football due to parental pressure. This player has more interest in
causing trouble whilst doing as little as is possible. With a short attention
span and a disruptive personality, if not controlled this individual will turn
your youth football coaching drills into a nightmare.
Discipline
is a big factor in handling them and often it is better to remove this player
from a few practice sessions, as well as from the occasional match too. Over
time they will either change, toe the line or else they will leave the club.
In
closing remember that you are a coach and not a social worker or a trained
psychologist. You can not be all things to all people.
Cheers
for now.
Mike
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