Attitudes and motivation levels

Question
I was a high school player years ago and have only been coaching for 4 years at a high school girl's varsity level; very self-motivated and one to never let anything get me down. Knowing this, I am dealing with girls that have attitude problems and lack of motivation. When the team loses momentum and starts losing a lead, etc., we get "the grumpies" and it is inevitable, we suffer the loss. Do you have any suggestions in dealing with these types of situations? We are not at a lack of ability, although when we lose the momentum, our abilties do become a problem!

Answer
Lynn,
The best advice I can give is that you stay positive through the trials and tribulations.  The team will follow your example.  If they don't find athletes who will.  Let them know that you have confidence in them.

I also think that setting up "game situations" in practice can help.  I have had first team play second.  I write up a set of cards with different situations on them like first team down 10-5 and in serve receive, something like that.  I would also make drills competitive.

Good Luck