Every coach has been there: you’re trying to give instructions, and a player (or two) is goofing off—distracting themselves, their teammates, and even you. It’s frustrating, and it’s tempting to resort to traditional methods like a stern voice or commanding presence to force compliance. But compliance isn’t true engagement, and the Sport4Growth approach challenges us to go deeper.
True engagement requires helping kids become accountable to their own goals, respectful of others, and deeply connected to the sport. This approach is harder, but it fosters resilience, intrinsic motivation, and lifelong strength. Here’s how to turn those frustrating moments into opportunities for growth.
Step 1: Normalize the Behavior
First, recognize that kids acting silly, losing focus, or being disruptive is normal. It’s part of their developmental process and not a reflection of you as a coach.
Kids are kids: They will get distracted. They’ll have bursts of energy and moments when they just can’t focus.
Your ultimate goal: Help them discover their love for the sport. Love grows in stages:
Experiencing: Where fun and enjoyment are the top priorities.
Exploring: Where curiosity and trying new things drive motivation.
Deepening: Where skill development and deep interest sustain long-term engagement.
Stay calm: Your response sets the tone. Staying composed helps you guide the group effectively.
Step 2: Reflect on the Root Cause
Before reacting, pause and reflect on what might be driving the behavior. Ask yourself:
What might the player be experiencing outside of practice?
Are they tired, upset, or stressed about something unrelated?
What does this player need right now?
Connection? A chance to move? Validation?
Why isn’t what I’m saying capturing their attention?
Is my instruction too long, too abstract, or simply not engaging enough?
What are they interested in at this moment?
Aligning your approach with what excites them can regain focus.
Step 3: Compete for Their Attention
When focus wanes, it’s time to step up your engagement game. Here’s how:
Make it engaging: Use an energetic tone, keep instructions concise, and add movement or visuals.
Example: Turn your explanation into a quick demonstration.
Channel their energy: Redirect silliness into productive activity.
Example: If they’re joking about running, turn it into a fun competition or team challenge.
Step 4: Set Clear Boundaries
Address the behavior directly but with kindness. Set boundaries in a way that fosters respect and understanding.
Acknowledge their impact:
Example: “Hey, I need you to focus right now so we can all enjoy practice together.”
Explain why it matters:
Example: “When you’re goofing off, it makes it harder for your teammates to learn.”
Reinforce the boundary:
Stay calm but firm: “We’re not doing that right now. Let’s get back to work.”
Step 5: Maintain Fun and Learning
Kids thrive when they feel supported and respected. Avoid tactics that detract from their enjoyment or growth.
Avoid embarrassment: Don’t single them out in a way that makes them feel ashamed.
Reinforce positives: Call out good behavior as soon as they re-focus.
Example: “Great effort on that drill! See how much better it feels when we’re locked in?”
Foster intrinsic motivation: Help them connect their effort and focus to the satisfaction of improving and enjoying the sport.
Step 6: Use Their Best Moments as a Model
One of the most powerful tools at your disposal is your awareness of a player’s best moments. Here’s how to leverage them:
Observe engagement: Pay attention to when a player is most focused and energized. What are you doing? What are their teammates doing? How is the activity structured?
Identify patterns: Over time, notice what drives their best moments. Is it clear instructions? Encouragement? Competition?
Recall and remind: In challenging moments, remind them of their best moments:
Example: “Remember how focused you were during that passing drill? Let’s get back to that zone.”
Shift your perspective: Seeing their potential during tough times helps you stay constructive and patient.
Step 7: Reset and Move Forward
When things go awry, give the player a chance to reset and re-engage:
Provide an opportunity to reset: Assign a new role in the drill or challenge them to lead an activity.
Keep the practice moving: Avoid drawn-out discussions that disrupt the flow.
Model perspective: Show that mistakes are normal and effort is what counts.
Coach’s Challenge
This week, practice handling distractions with these steps:
Pause and reflect on what might be driving the behavior.
Compete for their attention by making your instructions more engaging.
Set boundaries calmly and explain their importance.
Reinforce positives and celebrate when players refocus.
Use their best moments as a model to guide them back to success.
Reflect on an example from practice:
What worked well?
What would you adjust next time?
Conclusion
Handling goofing off isn’t about demanding compliance; it’s about fostering accountability, intrinsic motivation, and resilience. The Sport4Growth method challenges you to go beyond the surface, helping kids discover their love for the sport while building life skills that matter far beyond the field. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it—and it’s what makes great coaching truly impactful.
Comments