Two major issues are covered in this post - the importance of parents and the key age groups in development that is 15-19 yrs. Parents to me are essential for players to develop to their full potential - Between driving to training games trials etc having gear ready and generally just providing all the needs of a young player their importance shouldnt be under stated - However their is cases like the above - If you feel they could be damaging the players confidence you have a very important job - Of course fill the player with confidence with compliments, not over the top but well done well played and next ball when he/she makes a mistake - Also what i would do with this player to get him/her back on track is set them Goals for each training and each half in each game. i.e. Simple as they have to have at least 2 shots in each half (dont say score just get them shooting and their talent will shine through)- In training they have to take on their opponent each time they get the ball. Also communication is a great tool in developing confidence - What i do is get all the players in a circle to warm up - 5,6 balls on the outside - 5-8 players in the middle - the players in the middle run and receive the ball off the outside players - the outside players give them a call of "Man On"(give the ball back) "Time" (Inside player turns and moves the ball on) or "one two" (gives a quick one two and moves on. Get the players communicating load & clearly - Without knowing it they are talking within a group and self belief will grow.

In terms of making Goals - Make them SMART

S - Specific - to the point i.e 2 shots per half - 2 breaks etc
M - Measurable - Not i need you to work harder. More focus on Breaks Blocks Clean Catches Shots Assists Scores Against etc you can measures all these accurately
A - Achievable - Not ten scores per game or 15 catches - you know their talent set goals to each players ability
R - Realistic - Much as above just keep them real to GAA
T - Timing - Maybe the most important - you wont fix this player over night but over the course of a season you could change this players career. Be patient, up his/her goals every day and enjoy watching their improvement.

Hope this helps
Andy

Andy is spot on here about setting goals and developing the player's confidence. The key thing with any player like this is how they see themselves. From what you've described Seamie, it sounds like this guy is starting to believe all of the criticism that is leveled at him from his parents.

A few other things that might be worth trying. Talk to him about his strengths as a footballer. Pull him aside and tell him what you think he is good at. Get him talking about this and see does he see things the same way as you do. Make sure you present a strong case to him so have evidence to back up everything you are saying. Then ask him to tell you about his best ever performance. Make sure it is him who is coming up with the performance in question. Ask him about what his mental state was like throughout this performance (where was his focus, what was his belief like etc). This will help him to develop his self-awareness around what he is like when he is at his best. Next, talk about a recent game when he has not played well and ask him about what his mental state was like then. You will probably find that his whole approach had changed.

The key thing for a player like that is developing his self-awareness around what makes him perform at his best and what are the things that get in the way of him allowing himself to play.

I hope this helps. If you've any further questions please do not hesitate to ask.

Cheers,

Kevin

Absolutely brilliant comments there lads and plenty of food for thought. Plus it can also work on the reverse side of the coin, i.e with a player who is being overly praised and 'hyped' by a parent to think they are better than they are. This can lead the player to trying too hard and affecting the rest of his team with Hollywood performances. To have SMART goals for each individual player will (hopefully) ensure that that player learns to be a better all round team player.
Great stuff, really interesting insight.