- May 29, 2015
- 3,836
- 113
I just gave lots of love to some of the comments above. After reading your first post, @kmac78 , I had a hunch you were going to come back to share some of the added details. As somebody who went through (and is still going through) a similar culture shock, you have my utmost respect.
Much of the advice given on here comes from a different culture. It may be great advice for the "average" client here, but it isn't worth anything to you.
You can't coach this team. Not yet. You have to earn your cred first. As others have said, that means these girls have to know you are there for them before they will listen to you. This isn't something that can be forced, it just has to happen over time.
One thing that I found that worked in my classroom is to take those leaders (the ones who played before) and try to make them your allies. They think they can do better on their own, give them the opportunity to prove it. Ask each of them to take 3 of the others and work on a certain skill with them. Supervise, but let them run the small group. Give them control and show them you trust them (but keep a short leash).
Or you could ask each of them to come up with one thing they want to teach the team and then work with them on developing that and bringing it to practice.
It is a strange and bizarre mix of them wanting freedom and control while simultaneously wanting somebody to provide them with stability and authority. My biggest piece of advice is to develop team rules (with their input) and you MUST stick to them religiously. Routines will make them feel comfortable and safe.
I imagine it is a short rec season, so your time is probably limited. I would suggest NOT treating this as just that. These kids need you after practice is over and after the season is over. Life lessons are where your bread and butter is.
Much of the advice given on here comes from a different culture. It may be great advice for the "average" client here, but it isn't worth anything to you.
You can't coach this team. Not yet. You have to earn your cred first. As others have said, that means these girls have to know you are there for them before they will listen to you. This isn't something that can be forced, it just has to happen over time.
One thing that I found that worked in my classroom is to take those leaders (the ones who played before) and try to make them your allies. They think they can do better on their own, give them the opportunity to prove it. Ask each of them to take 3 of the others and work on a certain skill with them. Supervise, but let them run the small group. Give them control and show them you trust them (but keep a short leash).
Or you could ask each of them to come up with one thing they want to teach the team and then work with them on developing that and bringing it to practice.
It is a strange and bizarre mix of them wanting freedom and control while simultaneously wanting somebody to provide them with stability and authority. My biggest piece of advice is to develop team rules (with their input) and you MUST stick to them religiously. Routines will make them feel comfortable and safe.
I imagine it is a short rec season, so your time is probably limited. I would suggest NOT treating this as just that. These kids need you after practice is over and after the season is over. Life lessons are where your bread and butter is.