Breaking Bad Habits

"me ball". Thats the term I hear for kids who won't pass, play with their heads down and try to dodge two, three and sometimes even four defenders. Coaches complain about it all the time. I heard one story of a player who hogged the ball for an entire quarter, and when his coaches finally pulled him from the game, he quit the team at half time! Two days later he was begging come back on the team. Here is my view in the subject. The reason it happens is two-fold. Many players in "non-hotbed" regions of the country simply don't know good lacrosse, have never seen good lacrosse and have never played against good lacrosse teams. In many areas of the country kids start playing at all different ages, creating the good, the bad and the ugly on teams. This leads to the "studs" holding the ball and not passing to players who may cough it up. Many are just coached poorly by our peers who want wins and goals. When that becomes the priority, the "hogs" are rewarded by cheering parents and pats on the back from coaches on the sideline. The truth is, this isn't helping players prep for the next level. Although a great individual effort is commendable, I suggest we let kids know we appreciate the effort, but would like to see some assists and display of lax IQ instead. Here's a plan of action to kill the me ballers. First put in tempo in practices. Based on skill level, I put in the "three second rule". (make it four or five if the kids are younger or less skilled). In practice and scrimmages, I simply blow the whistle and reward the ball to the other team if someone holds the rock past the time limit. The ONLY exception, is if we are climbing the ladder to to dodge. Secondly stress "ONE MORE" in every scenario. Teach kids "dodge to feed" over "dodge to shoot". Lastly park kids who don't obey the concept. Taking away playing time works on the cement headed types. Make sure its a reasonably time off the field, not too short or too long. Make sure to reinforce why they are off, and they give their word to work the ball. One waring, do not put in the "get three passes in" before you shoot drill. This teaches another bad habit, passing when you are open and in the hole for a shot. We want kids to move the ball but also develop the IQ to know when to finish.