Getting Defensive
Q: I’ve got a player who is very talented, fast and aggressive. He’s great at scoring goals but hates to play defense. I try to play all of the players at all of the positions, but he is the first player I’ve had who is very resistant to playing anything but a goal scoring position. What should I do?
A: A one-on-one session is in order. (Make sure another adult, such as an assistant coach or parent of the child, is present for the session, too.) Sit with this young man and find out from him, that is LISTEN to him, as to what he thinks his responsibilities on the field are? It may be possible that he does not understand his responsibility as a field player! By listening to him you will find out if he realizes that players must both attack and defend. When you listen you will find out what motivates him.
