Not many coaches escape a season let alone one game or practice, without addressing a player’s behavior problem. How often have you spent time trying to get one or two players to pay attention while the rest of the team waits? 

Too often, behavior problems consume a coach’s time, reducing opportunities to teach strategy, tactics, skills and life lessons. That reduces the chance for success on the scoreboard, makes practices and games less fun, and can drive parents and athletes away from your team, program or even youth sports in general.

However, Responsible Coaches can address behavior problems in ways that minimize impact on practices and games while also reemphasizing team goals and objectives. 

Here are a few approaches to consider

In an effort to benefit millions of youth athletes, parents and coaches, this article is among a series created exclusively for partners in the Liberty Mutual Responsible Sports ProgramTM (ResponsibleSports.com) powered by Positive Coaching Alliance (http://www.positivecoach.org).