Grinder 2 Report post Posted November 18, 2009 We play 4 on 4 inline on a smaller surface. It's tight checking, fast paced hockey. Transitions from offense to defense are really quick, so we play the 'box' - two up, two back - on offense and defense. No set positions are assigned because of the fluid nature of the game, so guys have to be responsible: "Okay, two guys are in deep, so I'll take point." It works well, EXCEPT when one person doesn't buy in.We have a floater who just follows the ball, and causes all kinds of havoc for us on defence. He drifts in from the point to the slot on offence, and leaves us vulnerable to a lot of 2 and 3 on 1's. Last night he kept moving up to double team the opposition's point man, leaving a player open next to our net. We went from leading the first place team 3-0 with five minutes left to losing 5-3. In addition, he's carrying quite a few extra pounds, so he doesn't move anywhere too quickly.We've done the 'team' chat ("Okay guys, be responsible - two back on d, don't get caught up..."), guys have said it straight up to him ("Dude, try not to float up to the slot when you're on d, because it's causing those odd man rushes against us...") and I've said it to him as he starts to move in while we're both back on d ("_____, don't go in deep! Two back on defence!")Suggestions on how to get it across to this guy? He's a decent guy, reliable, not a dink to talk to. Do I bring in a chalkboard and show him? It's turning our team from really good postitional play to looking like pre-school soccer as everybody scrambles to cover the openings that he causes.Thanks in advance. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SouthpawTRK 1 Report post Posted November 18, 2009 By chance is he a new player to your team or perhaps new to the sport? Maybe it's possible that his level of awareness is not at the same level as the rest of the team? He might need some extra one on one coaching from someone from the team; kinda like a veteran player taking a rookie under his wing? Perhaps if one player were to mentor him, he will eventually be able to raise his level of awareness and be a better asset to your team. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MorePower4me 0 Report post Posted November 18, 2009 Yep, that or he's a D-Bag and you should drop him.Hockey's a team sport, and even though (I assume) you guys aren't getting paid to play, its still more fun when you win. If this guys doesn't realize the team goes deeper than just him, he probably isn't worth hanging on to. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jarick 5 Report post Posted November 18, 2009 If he's willing to learn, point it out on the bench. Show him what happens when one guy pinches at the wrong time, and then what happens when you play the position. Otherwise maybe the other guys have to be aware of him and remember to cover. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sav25 1 Report post Posted November 18, 2009 Be totally honest with him - if he's cool about it, then he must be willing to learn and listen - so he's a keeper. If he isnt cool and starts mouthing off and not listening - drop him.Give the guy a chance - you have to accept that not everyone will be a great player Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nickyb13 9 Report post Posted November 18, 2009 we always made those kind of guys play offense so they were not in the way as much Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Grinder 2 Report post Posted November 18, 2009 Thanks all for the advice and replies. Yeah, pointing out from the bench as the play unfolds sounds like the best plan. He's a decent fellow, and I'm the first to admit that I've never had the best 'court sense' for knowing where to be and when, so it's certainly a question of helping/mentoring. Generally, I don't mind losing if we played decently - someone has to losee each game - but when your team is scrambling, it takes the fun away, win lose or draw. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
