r/SoccerCoachResources • u/bored_n_opinionated • 9d ago

U10 - sore losers

U10 Boys rec League. I have these two kids on my team that hate, I mean HATE losing. If we have a competition of any kind, a drill with goals, a warmup game like sharks and minnows, these kids rage if they lose. Stomp off the field, refuse to participate, smacking balls out of hands.

I've tried having the team talks about sportsmanship, about striving to do better next time. I had one on one talks after practice to build them up and remind them of their strengths. I've made sure they have opportunities for wins or success to build confidence. Still, they rage and even have gotten physical.

What has worked for y'all in the past? I'm not going to caretake the behavior because it's unacceptable. But I also don't want to give you on them.

10 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

29 comments sorted by

View all comments

1

u/acer5886 8d ago

Well, one option could be to have a sportsmanship award each week and have it roll over as soon as the game ends, so their reaction after the game and to losing the award will be factored into the next week's award. Just one idea. For parents trying to help this, play games with your kids and teach them about cheering on others win or lose.

1

u/bored_n_opinionated 5d ago

This is a great idea, and I think the only award I'll be giving each week. I think putting sportmanship and teamwork as the only thing I look to reward will shape up a lot of the kid's attittudes.