I almost got in a fight today

[Someboy113]

I was in gym a couple hours ago, and this kid wouldn’t stop running his mouth when we were playing basketball. I was playing close defense against him, and he would literally stop the play just to hold the ball and stare at me. Then he would proceed to talk trash to me. When I missed he would always say “good job wow” and when he was defended me he would shove himself against me. I’ve never fought anyone before and I don’t plan on it. I am not very strong either, so I fear that, not only will I get in trouble if I fight this guy, I will most likely also lose. I have to be in this gym class for like 5 more weeks, and there’s no telling how many times this guy will keep pushing my buttons. If he does punch me do I just turn he other cheek? Any advice on how I should handle the situation?

 

[Maximilian75]

Unless your grade depends upon it, just chill out on defense- it’s only a game. If you need to let him win to keep the peace, do so.

 

[JamalChristophr]

Talk to the person in authority and explain the situation.

If that doesn’t work, just flat out refuse to play when he’s playing, if he is going to keep this up. Maybe he was just having an " I feel like being a jerk toeday" day. But if he continues, do the above.

 

[Theo520]

It does sound like he’s picking a fight. Don’t fall for it.

Talk to a couple of the other players and ask what they think, and how you should respond. By raising the issue hopefully you can get your team on your side. They can verbally rebuke his behavior and get him to lay off the antagonism.

If the other players don’t see it, that’s important as well.

 

[Someboy113]

My friend who I was playing with did notice and tried defending me by playing close defense on the kid. I have other friends in that gym class who would be willing to defend me if the situation gets serious. Nobody likes this kid because of his mouth, so I will just refrain from playing against him as much as I can.

 

[Theo520]

My friend who I was playing with did notice and tried defending me by playing close defense on the kid. I have other friends in that gym class who would be willing to defend me if the situation gets serious. Nobody likes this kid because of his mouth, so I will just refrain from playing against him as much as I can.

I’d talk about it with your other friends in the class. Getting a group to call out his bad behavior on court will likely serve as a redirect, and shows you are not alone. Bullies prefer to target victims without friends.

 

[TheLittleLady]

It is called “trash talking” and is encouraged by some folks. Ask the PE Teacher if trash talking is allowed in gym class.

 

[Someboy113]

It was more than trash talking. The guy seemed genuinely offended at me trying to take the ball from him, and retaliated by both talking trash and shoving me. Thanks for the good advice everyone I will stick close to my friends

 

[Cruciferi]

Be assertive and if some physical contact is allowed don’t shy away from demonstrating that you’re competitive. He’s probably sensing some hesitation on your part and is interpreting that as a sign of weakness.

I myself have had to deal with this my whole life. When I was younger the older kids would attempt to intimidate me. However, my assertiveness and nasty mouth would perplex them and they’d back off. Now that I’m older, nobody wants to physically intimidate me because I’m 6ft. and tower over most of them. Believe me, you don’t need to fight; however, don’t appear to cower.

 

[Entwhistler]

I think what he is trying to do is get a reaction from you. Stopping the play just to hold the ball and stare at you kind of proves that. My advice would be not to get angry, keep your cool and act like the grown-up. That will irritate him more than anything. Maybe throw in a sarcastic comment if he keeps trying to rile you (easier said than done I know).

And don’t be afraid to get physical if he does during the game. It is somewhat of a contact sport after all. Just don’t go overboard.

 

[RandomAlias]

He has problems which you don’t know. Give him some slack. Don’t get yourself hurt. Pray for him, that he may find peace. Also bear in mind, someday you and he might be friends.

 

[Cruciferi]

He has problems which you don’t know

What you say is true. A kid who gave me some trouble ended up having a severe undiagnosed heart condition that required surgery. He appeared normal but perhaps he didn’t feel well.