Negative Teammates...

[SoccerLuva]

Some of the girls on my team are very negative. My team hasn't won one game all season, and we only have two games left until the tournament on the 20th. There's really no helping the fact that we're in last place, but I wish my teammates could show a little more effort with these last games. Some of them just act like they don't even care when we're out on the field. They just stand there like bushes with their hands on their hips, and practically wait for the ball to come to them (but it never does, duh, because they don't move!). It's really annoying because myself and a few other girls on my team try really, really, really hard. I mean, we WANT to win...the least my teammates can do if they don't care about winning is try for the sake of the rest of us and our coaches right? How can I get my teammates a little more excited about the game?

[JoseP]

I'd say your chances are slim. This question should have been asked when the behavior started. It is, likely, too late to do something now.

With that said, perhaps you could try a team building event. For the team I coach, we have a little scavenger hunt at the local mall. Two teams, with a sheet of clues and off they go. Make them come up with cheers and have a neutral parent or coach sit in the middle of the mall and judge each team. They award points to the better cheers.

If you are confined to doing this in practice, try dividing the team and have some spirited competions. One I like to do is make a very small square, maybe 3 feet by 3 feet. Challenge the teams to see who fit the most players in the square (yes, they can build up.)

I'm sure others can come up with other ideas.

The whole concept is for you all to work together and you will if you like the people you are working with.

Good luck.

[lethalcarthage]

this is going to sound vain. but a few years ago I was on a team that had the same problem. then what happened was the striker just started doing incredible amounts of tricks on the field. though we lost the game he got tons of oo's and aa's from everyone. by the time the next game came around everyone stepped their game up just to see him mess around with defenders. but I dont know if everyone is that easily convinced...

[jvillefreelance]

Be 100% positive, but be harsh, let them know your expectations and get them motivated. I am almost positive all of the time, I only get really frustrated when players expect me to "play for them" and not for the team. I have this guy on my amature team, and when he gets put up top with me I tell the coaches to either take me or him out b/c he is constantly just yelling for the ball, and then he gets mad when he doesn't get it.

[vanity_soccer13]

it's really hard to motivate some people, especially when the season is winding down and summer is quickly approaching- they'd clearly rather be elsewhere.

it sortof sounds as though the coach doesn't really have much authority over the situation either. maybe suggest some fun games during practice to get the player morale up, and that may just help get them in the right spirits come game days.

if that doesn't work, get some good guest players for the tournament ;) , and look for a new, more dedicated team for next season.