You Can't Teach

if the pupil is not ready to learn

One of the frustrations in the student-teacher relationship is when the student is not prepared to learn. This lack of preparation may be for any number of reasons. The verbal or nonverbal cues which indicate to the teacher that you do not have a willing pupil makes the interaction dynamics challenging.

The reality is, you as the coach of this individual, are entering into a stressful

situation. For any number of reasons, the individual you are coaching is

indicating to you that he/she is not receptive to your instruction. I have mishandled this situation at times. You, as the coach, want to be in control

and you may be threatened by this teenager who tells you verbally and noverbally "I am not interested in listen to you." I have reacted strongly and

with far to much ego at times and responded verbally and nonverbally by

saying in so many words ...... "Who do you think you are?" I have forgotten

more about THIS game than you will ever know!" Now, you feel better right!

"When the student is ready the teacher will appear."

You have allowed the situation to control you rather than you controlling the situation. YES, I have fell into this trap more than once. I never said I was a quick learner! This type of situation is where it is very beneficial to know with whom you are working. Try to make a mental note to talk with the player one on one and explore why they seem distracted and uncooperative. There is always a reason for their behavior. Sometimes less is more. Now I am not suggesting that if the player is disrespectful you ignore them and move on. Hopefully, if they are disrespectful, you can react calmly and remove them from the situation. Control is a sneaky thing. Don't let the student manipulate the teacher.

The failure of the player to be coachable may be a one time thing or it may have an extended life. You may need conference time (again I would suggest you have another coach with you) when you talk with the player in private. You may want to ask his/her's teammates if they have any insights, contact the child's teachers, and if necessary talk with the parents. Let the player know you care, but also let them know this uncooperative spirit is not going to be allowed to continue indefinitely .... there are consequences for our behaviors.

A somewhat subtle consequence of this situation can be distraction. You as

the coach want all your players to be receptive to your coaching. If your like me, it can distract your focus off others on the team and you become preoccupied with the individual who is unwilling or unable to be taught. When do you reach the point of no return?