When Nothing Works: How to Handle Players Who Need a Wake-Up Call

When Players Don’t Respond (And What to Do About It)

Every coach runs into it.

The gifted player with no work ethic. The kid who seems to care less and less no matter what you try. The one stuck in a slump they can’t (or won’t) climb out of.

You’ve tried encouragement. Honest talks. Tough love. Benching. Extra responsibility. Nothing sticks.

So what do you do when your best efforts aren’t getting through?

Why Some Players Don’t Respond

Here’s the hard truth: motivation doesn’t always come from the coach. Some players are fighting battles you can’t see. Some are resisting change because it feels easier to disengage. Some just aren’t ready.

1. Internal Conflict

They may not love the game as much as everyone thinks. Maybe they play because they’re good at it, not because they want it.

Watch for:

• Lack of passion, even in games

• Resentment toward training or responsibilities

• Going through the motions

“If they don’t want it for themselves, nothing you do will change that.”

2. Fear of Failure

Pulling back feels safer than giving full effort and failing.

Watch for:

• Avoiding challenges

• Excuses and blame-shifting

• Poor body language after mistakes

“Sometimes underperforming feels safer than risking real failure.”

3. Burnout or Mental Fatigue

Pressure and constant grind can make the game feel like a burden.

Watch for:

• Decreased joy or interest

• Emotional outbursts

• Low energy in practice

“If the game feels like a weight, effort will vanish.”

4. Lack of Accountability

If talent carries them and no one enforces standards, effort doesn’t matter in their mind.

Watch for:

• Excuses on repeat

• Ignoring feedback

• Zero consequences for low effort

“If laziness has no cost, there’s no reason to change.”

5. Misaligned Goals

Sometimes the player’s vision doesn’t match the team’s.

Watch for:

• Resistance to coaching style

• Indifference to results

• Frustration with role or playing time

“If their goals don’t align with yours, friction is inevitable.”

What to Do When Nothing Works

This is the part that tests your leadership. It’s not about yelling louder. It’s about being clear, consistent, and firm.

1. Have the Real Conversation

Not surface-level. Not another pep talk. A real one.

• Ask: “Do you want this? Why or why not?”

• Listen fully. No judgment.

• Make it clear you want truth, not excuses.

“The goal isn’t to convince them. It’s to uncover where they actually stand.”

2. Set Standards and Consequences

Talent doesn’t excuse low effort.

• Define the standard in plain terms

• Make sure consequences are clear

• Stick to it every time

“You can’t lower the standard to keep someone comfortable.”

3. Give Them Purpose

Sometimes it’s not laziness — it’s boredom.

• Assign responsibilities beyond their role

• Challenge them mentally, not just physically

• Put them in positions where others depend on them

“Purpose pulls effort out where talent can’t.”

4. Apply Real Consequences

If nothing changes, action has to follow words.

• Bench them for multiple games

• Reduce their role significantly

• Suspend them from team activities

• Cut them from the roster if the culture is at risk

“This isn’t punishment. It’s accountability. The standard is the standard.”

5. Accept That You Can’t Save Everyone

The hardest truth: some players aren’t ready. You can’t carry them across the line.

• Sometimes you have to let them go

• Sometimes the door has to close before they realize they want to walk through it

• Always keep a path open if they choose to come back with real commitment

“Your job is to provide opportunity. Not to force it.”

Take This With You

“Your job is to create growth, not drag someone into it.”

“If they’re not ready to work, no amount of coaching will change that.”

“The best wake-up calls are the ones players give themselves.”

“Sometimes the door has to close before they decide to open it again.”