Coaches Athletes who don’t seem to care

[WavyNavy8]

How do you handle athletes that don’t seem to care?

I have a few who very often think doing the skill (unwell) is just good enough and don’t really make corrections or put in effort on some events. Its like they only want constant praise.

I’ve broken down drills, I’ve explained it in other ways, I’ve had other coaches come in and help. It’s all the same results over and over. Just a very “I don’t care” attitude. But it’s not like this on all events, so I don’t get it. It’s like they take any correction (even a complement sandwich) as bad and pout, and instead of making the correction they just keep doing the same thing over and over with either a pouty face or blank expression.

I’ve tried to communicate with parents and all I get is “oh they love gymnastics” or “they are very frustrated with themselves” but I’m not seeing that in practice at all. I’ve had talks with them, as a group, and individually and am usually met with silence.

I’m at a loss. The girls want to be successful and have been unhappy with their scores but it doesn’t seem to light any fire for practice. I’ve tried reward charts too. Prize buckets… I’m at a loss.

Then I have athletes that do work hard but sometimes fall into the funk of the others and trying to keep that from happening too.

 

[sun]

Maybe they actually don't care- maybe it's temporary and they'll come around or maybe it's just how they feel about gym. It is important to be available for those who seek correction... with gymnasts who are putting in low effort- I try to briefly make myself fully available to them (fairness is important, they should have regular access to instruction) but then move on if they can't at least try to meet my energy.

There's bound to be some kids on your team who crave attention and correction and are passionate about improving their skills. I'd move on to them- do a great job, and then hopefully their improvement will inspire others.

I have gotten roped into trying to make kids love gymnastics who just don't love it before- and missed opportunities to give the passionate kids the instruction they need.