Dealing with unruly player?

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Apr 6, 2017
23
0
How do you deal with a player (10U Rec) who talks back to coaches, won't warm up with the team, refuses to hustle anywhere, pays zero attention to anything going on around her (i.e. One girl was playing third and has a cannon for an arm... this particular girl was playing 2nd and moved into the line of fire almost getting hit in the head), doesn't listen to anything we tell her, and refuses to be a team player. I know this rec ball and it's all about fun and not winning, but this particular player is making things not fun for the other girls. I hate hate hate hate feeling frustrated with this child because she's just that...a child. I want her to have fun and be the best she can be, but she refuses to take any direction. I've talked to her parents and they've talked with her, but so far it hasn't helped.

If anybody has any advice as to what I can do to get through to her, I would greatly appreciate it.

***Also, please don't think I'm singling this little girl out. When she isn't on the field, she is the sweetest thing ever. I don't dislike her, I just want her to be a team player and do the best she can.
 

JAD

Feb 20, 2012
8,231
38
Georgia
Since it is REC ball I am guessing removing her from the team is not an option. I would suggest a heart-to-heart conversation with her parents and only playing her in the OF.
 
Apr 6, 2017
23
0
Since it is REC ball I am guessing removing her from the team is not an option. I would suggest a heart-to-heart conversation with her parents and only playing her in the OF.

Lol, yep. She pays to play and we're required to play her at least 1/2 a game. The sad thing is the parents have seen her act this way since we had our first practice. I've talked to them about the possibility of her really not wanting to play, but they said she did and that they would talk to her about her attitude. I just want all of our girls to have fun, and I can tell she just isn't having fun.
 
Apr 26, 2015
704
43
I agree with the above. I would also stress to her that by not paying attention she is putting herself and others at risk of being hurt.
 
Feb 17, 2014
7,152
113
Orlando, FL
Talk with her with her parent(s) present so everyone is on the same page. You have no idea if they actually spoke with her or how it was colored. With everyone there make your expectations crystal clear. I have gone so far as having meetings with the parent and player after every practice and game until the issue is resolved. They both need to know that she will be held accountable and this issue will not just fade away and continue as it has. Most likely this is what is going on in the home so it will be a change for both player and parent. Find what motivates her.
 
Last edited:
Jun 22, 2008
3,731
113
Talk to the league about your discipline options. It is their rule requiring you to play her at least half of each game that is allowing her to act up and still get to play. She needs to be taught there are consequences for her actions and from your description sitting a game or two is more than deserved.
 

WARRIORMIKE

Pro-Staff Everything
Oct 5, 2009
2,815
48
At the Jewel in San Diego
Talk to the parents and start off with saying " you know when I was younger and I disrespected an adult or my parents I would get a paddle to the rear end." Then wait for a pause. If they laugh, then dont push the discipline thing to hard. if they nod the head saying yes, you may have the parents on your side. If they yell at you, then RUN.............
 
May 4, 2016
200
28
Maybe ask her if she wants to play softball. I know Mom and Dad said she does, but does she really find out.
 

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