Damian, you have described several negative ways of trying to get them to perform. Perhaps try encouragement a little more often, show them you are interested in them enjoying their basketball....

Aaah, the player(s) with the "lack of motivation"!

First of all, managing players is just like managing staff at work. If you don't have any (in) sub-ordinates at work, fear not, Dr Jack is here to help.

3 KEY PRINCIPLES
Self esteem is #1. If you tell someone they are useless and expect them to be motivated as a result, well choose another way to motivate people, particularly kids. I have seen coaches put kids down expecting them to think "I'll prove him wrong, I'll show him I am a good player!" Instead, it actually works the other way, players just think, "what a tosser". Therefore, "Maintain and enhance self esteem"
#2. Listen and respond with empathy. Communication is a two way street
#3. Ask for help in solving the problem.

When seeking to improve performance;

1. Describe the issue in a friendly way, what concerns you, and the standard you expect as a leader.
2. Ask for help in solving the problem.
3. Discuss causes for why the issue arose.
4. Identify and write down possible solutions.
5. Decide on a specific action to be taken.
6. Agree on a followup date and time.

It's a pretty simple formula, and you'll find it will work.

DON'T touch them or I will call a Current Affair

Yeah early 20's.

Thanks for the advice Jack.

Next season (especially early on) should I think about benching players if I am not happy with their attitude, work ethic and ability to listen to me?

That way I can send a message right from the start and it will let them know how serious I am. Or is this too harsh?

I know of other coaches who do it and it appears to be effective.

I'd make a team captain that gets respected by all the team and get them to try and fire them up, try and get these underperformers to keep up with your captain and maybe push-ups as my only punishment but for the whole team to do!

I wouldn't bench them and destroy team morale and I would encourage the team when their performances lift ie. don't single them out but recognize everyone as a team and when the team work together then positivity should be enforced.

Good luck to your team

Hey Jack you should coach

A set of agreed team rules is always handy as it defines the boundaries. Remember that U16's are basically year 8 and 9's, usually midway through puberty. Year 8's have made the transition from primary school to high school and are seeking to assert themselves and push boundaries and show the world they are not some kid.

If you do bench for a breach of team rules, explain to the player why. I have seen too many dumb coaches bench a kid, not explain and when the kid asks "why? what did I do wrong?" the response is "well, when you have worked it out, you tell me"

A sense of belonging is important to most and the military do it well by instilling a sense of teamwork and being part of and contributing to something. Never underestimate the power of peer pressure to conform to a set of group rules.

I also Coach and U16 Rep team in Melbourne and in a previous life was a full time Tennis coach. That's the hardest boys age group to mentor/coach!
I never use and form of physical exercise as punishment, eg. running suicides or doing pushups etc. You want kids to like working on their fitness, not seeing it as a punishment for behavioral issues. Talking to the parents about their boys potential is a great idea. I also find court time is the a valuable tool to get the most out of many players.
good luck