today my team played our first game in a while (lots were postponed due to weather issues) and i am a captain and also the sweeper. We got our asses handed to us in the first half (4-0), but in the second, we only allowed one goal for the fisrt 25 minutes (out of 35). We were pushing for a goal, but then they got another. This is when the midfied and forwards stopped trying. They were shooting right off the kickoff, giving it right back to the other team. They did this 2 times then as the captian i yelled at them, but they still did it the 3rd time. the score ended up 9-0. They were clearly the better team, but we could have played them within 2-3 goals. aside from giving up, the mid. and forward were not going to the balls at all, while the defence was hustling our asses off blocking several shots. As the captain, what can i do to get my team to start trying harder
Tell them to smarten up or get off your team, or you could make them run sprints at practices if they do it.
No!!! Stay away from the sprints or any other type of punishments!!! They will not listen to you if you do that, trust me.
Its all about gaining their respect. I have been a captain for about 5 years and sometimes you just have to yell at them on the field and just take control. Respect will be won on the field with solid play and strong advice, not in practice.
I'm older than most of you guys and now I'm playing in the Open Men's league and the Over 30 league and coach a couple of youth teams now. My u-10 team won a 6v6 National Championship last year. I also am a referee. There is something I've noticed. I believe there's only so much you can do to get players to compete. It's something internal, in one's gut. That fire to compete. I know you guys know what I mean. In everything I do I want to be the best and will bust my ass and drop my last drop of blood to do that. When I was younger a lot of us felt that way. What I see now is that fewer young people have that fire. Guys pick up a nick and they lay on the field waiting for someone to pick them up off the pitch. That never happened 15-25 years ago. We'd play with a broken leg, nose, and a cracked skull! (exaggerating a little) I agree with the previous poster. You have to lead by example while also being willing to challenge their manhood, their desire, and their heart. Don't curse and whine. Do it tactfully, you will know when the time is right. When that time comes make it quick and straight to the point. If that doesn't work go out and find a new mate!