Player Attitude

I coach a team of 5th and 6th graders. We are currently 0-4-1. All but one game have been close. The score of three of the games was 13-6.

It seems that once we get ahead, we let up and implode. False starts, passes thrown over or behind the receivers, arm tackles, face masks, and lost outside containment.

I have 25 boys on the team so no one has to play both ways and almost all of the boys are legitimate starters. This team has more talent than any team of coached over the last five years.

However, my stud receiver can't remember his assignments and is always running the wrong routes, which has led to many sacks. When we limited his responsibilities, he complained that the CB always knew what he was doing and he couldn't get open. He's constantly complaining about being blocked at the line and is now coming up with 'injuries'.

My stud running back constantly needs a breather and until this week we were alternating plays with him and another boy who is almost as good a runner. However, we've decided to put both boys in the backfield to give us a one-two puch as our previous FB wasn't blocking and always lost yards when given the ball.

The problem I'm having is that both of these boys are now becoming confrontational and argumentative.

When I told my receiver that the game films show that he's not hustling, he crossed his arms, starting shaking his head, and stating that I was wrong.

Last night after reminding my QB to hit the TE running a flat route in the outside shoulder instead of his backside hip, my running back commented sarcasticly, "The pass looked good to me, Coach."

I've never encountered players talking back or being argumentative and confrontational. I'm concerned that maybe I'm taking things too seriously and the boys aren't having as much fun as they should, but I'm also concerned about them being prepared and disciplined to play on Saturdays.

Any thoughts.

Coach Dave