Managing the Difficult Athlete

Responsibility In any given situation as a leader, if you have a conflict, you are at least 50% of the problem. Be willing to accept this responsibility Doesn’t mean you or your philosophy or agenda is bad.

Self Review

Why do you coach? How strong is your knowledge base? What is your coaching/leadership style? Organization skills? Clear seasonal goals?

What type of coach are you?

Of course my athletes respect me!

Athlete’s Issues

School Pressures

The Athlete’s Issues Home life Improper Nutrition Coach/Athlete Disconnects Overtraining Lack of Proper Goals Focus School Pressures Poorly designed practice plans

Poorly planned practices

Coaching Disconnects Coach’s goals Athlete’s goals Team goals Are we there yet?

Overtraining Fatigue beyond normal limits Repeated errors or poor cue reads Irritability Nagging injuries Dehydration Loss of weight Swollen glands

Overtraining

Recovery Proper practice plans Proper weight training goals and protocols Rest Icing Pool work Massage

Conflict Structure

Conflict Structure Team

How do we get them there?

Goals Goal Definition Not having a goal is a goal Goal attainment strategy Make it real

Goal setting and problem solving

Break it down Break each “problem” down to its component parts Solve the simplest problem first and move up Big problems start with small issues

Break it down Break important goals down into their component parts Strategize the easily solvable Make it attainable and modifiable

Nothing is more important than coaching…