Youth Inc. Recommends: Four Resources to Help Coach a Kid With a Bad Attitude

Coaching young athletes with attitude challenges, like pouting, defiance, or negativity, can be tough, but with the right tools, it's an opportunity for growth. These four resources provide practical strategies for coaches and parents to guide athletes toward better behavior, mental resilience, and emotional maturity. From expert advice to relatable videos, this list offers actionable insights to transform challenging attitudes into positive development. 

How to Handle the Pouting Athlete With Attitude Problems 

What it is: An article offering strategies to address pouting and negative behavior in young athletes.

Why we like it: It provides clear, actionable advice for coaches and parents to help athletes develop emotional resilience and a positive mindset. 

How to Coach a Kid With a Bad Attitude

What it is: A thoughtful video for coaches on how to respond when athletes struggle with frustration, negative outbursts, or emotional control during practice or competition. 
Why we like it: It frames emotional challenges as teachable moments, offering clear, compassionate strategies that help coaches model emotional control, foster team-wide buy-in, and equip athletes with tools that last well beyond sports. 

How to Improve Your Young Athlete’s Attitude 

What it is: A paired video and article from mental performance coach Eli Straw, sharing four foundational tools to shift poor attitudes into positive, productive behavior. 
Why we like it: This combo delivers both depth and accessibility—perfect for coaches and parents who want to understand the psychology behind a bad attitude and learn quick, actionable ways to help athletes turn it around. 

Coaching the Athlete, Not Just the Game

What it is: A powerful video clip from a coach explaining why understanding the person behind the attitude matters more than focusing just on the performance. 
Why we like it: It’s a heartfelt reminder that coaching is about connection, and that challenging behavior often has deeper causes worth addressing with empathy and patience.