Here it goes again

My response is based on the assumption that this is a Rec team.

1. Ignore the won-loss record, especially if all teams make the playoffs. Almost every team I've coached started with records like 0-3 and 1-4 because I use the season to learn what my players can give me so that we can make a run. My teams have often gone on 6-0, 5-1 runs going into the playoffs - the perfect time for a team to get hot! The purpose of Rec. (or any level, for that matter) is to prepare the player to compete for the next level. Won/Loss records cloud that very clear logic.

2. If you can't bring Mohammed to the Mountain, bring the Mountain to Mohammed. If he doesn't practice outside your team practices, then ask him to come to a "special session" 30 minutes before the start of your regular practice.

You'd be amazed how much progress you can make with some "hard to work with" kids when its mano-y-mano. Sometimes kids who are on the lower-end of the talent spectrum become hard to work with because they don't want to open themselves up even further to peers (and we all know how charitable 13/14 year-olds can be!)

He won't be embarassed to stop you in mid-sentence to say he doesn't understand something. You'll be able to go over the very small details that often lead to big problems when ignored. Finally, you'll likely get him to open up. I've never had a kid from my "special sessions" who I didn't understand better after the first session!

Finally, if he shows, it also proves he WANTS to improve, but has a difficult time either (A) understanding what (AND WHY!) you are trying to teach, or (B) retaining what he learned from a group practice. A lot of kids really flourish under some 1-on-1 coaching, and I am sure there is no shortage of testimonials to this fact from the coaches on this board.

Now, if the kid doesn't show, it also demonstrates his desire (or lack thereof) to improve. If he's not motivated, you keep trying to motivate him, but at least you can stop beating yourself up as much!

Best of luck!