How to Help a Losing Team

It's often said that, if there's one redeeming factor about losers, it's that they often tell the better stories. But that's rarely consolation for players stuck on a struggling team. Losing streaks can happen for any number of reasons. Perhaps injuries have forced the coach to rely on less talented second-string players. Sometimes, it's just a matter of recurring bad luck. Other times, a team with mediocre players is in an ultra-competitive league with teams full of talented players. In any case, several approaches can help get a team on a winning track.

Instructions

    • 1

      Lay out goals for the rest of the season, starting small and progressing to larger, win-oriented goals. For example: holding the opponent to a certain number of points in a game, rather than just looking to win. Losing teams must start with baby steps on their way overcoming their losing ways.

    • 2

      Focus on fundamentals during practice. Losing teams often lack the good technique and sports IQ they need to compete with more talented opponents.

    • 3

      Implement a game-plan that minimizes your opponent's opportunity to score. In soccer, that might mean putting your most athletic players back near your own net to prevent shots. In basketball that might mean using a more deliberate, time-consuming offense that works patiently for good shots and keeps the ball out of the other team's hands for longer stretches. Also in basketball, it could mean emphasizing defense in practices and spending a lot of practice time on defensive drills.

    • 4

      Stress that while you and your players would lilke to win, winning isn't everything. If players give 100% in a game, they have nothing to hang their heads about. A team that shows improvement over the course of a season has done something positive.

    • 5

      Never hang your head as a coach. If you feel sorry for yourself, you will soon have players doing the same. Stay positive and good things can happen.