This is the main reason small high school sports have fallen off so much. Coaches think they have to be in complete control of the athletes that play for them at all times, even tho they claim publicly just the opposite. At larger schools, this may be successful. But small school coaches should be happy if any kid with athletic ability shows up for the first practice. If he shows up for all the extra off season work(or even part of it), fantastic. If not, welcome him with open arms anyhow. Word will spread that you are not a dictator and that you truly care about them as people with lives and not just a serf waiting for your next demand. Players will be more willing to run thru that "wall", which will make for better practices, which will lead to more wins, which will make everybody happy....and maybe,just maybe more people will start showing up to those optional(not mandatory) off season sessions.
In high school I would take the raw athlete every time over the kid who shows up for everything, yet can't even get into a defensive stance without tripping over his own feet. Too many coaches still believe its all about their x's and o's. If you don't have athletes, you won't win. Its simple. Too bad the ego-maniacs will never get it.