How do I balance players personalities to get results

Toby MullinsCoach, England

If you take the Sir Clive Woodward approach you would class these players as `energy sappers` - they detract from the whole team ethic. He was of the opinion that, however talented they were, the team would play better without them. He dropped them.

Jack RhodesCoach, Wales

Yh I completely agreed but I have a limited squad and they are talent players any suggestions on how to get them to work as part of a team or compromise

Sipko de RuiterCoach, Netherlands

What is your knowledege about these personalities? What is the hiërarchie in the team and does pick order match personal skills?Some are fit for receiving prescribed task, mostly defenders, others need more freedom. The puzzel probably will never fit perfectly. Just make the best out of it if you have to work with what you have. Good luck
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Hockey CoachCoach

Re-framing - turn them being "out of position" into a positive from a negative and lay it on thick.

Something along the lines of "I know you don`t like playing blah blah but it is a vital position for the success of the team, so I need you, as one of my best players, to do a job for me in that position."

Then post match, reinforce it in the huddle, "Quick word of thanks for player blah blah who did a fantastic job playing at blah blah today."

A few weeks of similar treatment (backed up with some winning results) generally makes people see the right of it.

If that doesn`t work, or they stil refuse to play where you want them, then the only option is to drop them for a week or two. It`s a team sport...

Hockey CoachCoach

Play your players in positions that are best for the team. Last year I pulled two mids back to defense, and neither were happy at first. One fought the me about playing defense and I explained to her that she did not have the endurance to play midfield and that if she improved her strength and endurance I`d consider moving her up to mid. The players know that if they want playing time, they earn it and will play where I have selected without any complaint; otherwise they will be on the bench. Will I explain why I`m playing them in a diferent position- absolutely! They then realize it`s not some type of punishment, but it`s what`s best for the team.

Whether coaching youth or high school, I`ve always stressed that anytime I have to address an individual`s issue, it is time that takes me away from the team. I should be giving my attention to the players who are not acting out of a self-serving attitude. At the end of the day the common goal is to support the team, and if a player hassles you over your decision about positioning or playing time, that is a player I wouldn`t want on the team. If you open the door to players picking their own positions, it could lead to players feeling that they know better than the coach in other aspects of the game too. Do you want the other players to see you making exceptions for someone who complains and attempting it themselves??

It is hard if your team numbers are low. If this player is willing to play in an unliked position, I would definitely reinforce that is is a huge help to the team and that you appreciate it. Also, have the other players reinforce the new position by saying positve comments when that player does something well (more comments than usual). Also in the huddles, I try to make sure that I reinforce how that player is an asset to the team, even in a different position. At the end of last season, both the players that had played out of position most of the season ended up loving it and feeling so supported by their team that they asked to stay as defenders.

James EastCoach, England

Hi Jack. You use the construction `in my opinion` in your question. This could just be a figure of speech, but if you aren`t certain, it might be valuable to get another opinion on the matter. Do you know a local coach from outside your club who would watch a match or training session and give you feedback on your issues ? I have used a coach from another sport altogether (cricket as it hapens) and was both surprised and gratified by his insights.

Ejaz SyedCoach, United States of America

Some excellent Insights and ideas to tryout Jack.

Take it as a developmental stage. I often ask parents to help.

I had a situation where clique did not show up for a game away. We were short - players morale low. I asked our players if they would play 8v8 with 3 subs. There was a spark, it turned into a 3-1 win.

Things are much different today. We have awesome teams, abundance of players, and great support from all our parents.

Pieter BregmanCoach, Malta

A couple of weeks ago, I had a one-on-one talk session with all the players in the first team. I wanted to hear from them, what they would like, where they want to see changes or want to improve. They had "freedom of speech", which meand, they could say, whatever they wanted, without prejudice. Making notes of these talks, will help me later, to correct players who have an "attitude".

If they still persist to be difficult to work with, for whatever reason, I have the committees ( of which one member was present at these talks ) back up, to take adequate action.

The players wereand are aware of this and I got some helpful information and a good idea, who my players are.

Maybe worthwhile trying, to get insight of the players.

Good luck

Jack RhodesCoach, Wales

That`s great thanks for all the advice I will use it fully!

Jack RhodesCoach, Wales

Thank you everyone for the advice I will certainly take lots on board!