I have written several blogs over time about our largest group of athletes, ages 6-12. Given I do a lot of work with the products of that group of young people (college athletes) I keep seeing the same practices that dont work.

First, the number one reason kids play is to have fun. If this isnt their experience we have missed the boat. While they are having fun there are so many life lessons to be learned which will be missed otherwise.

Yes, some will compete at the high school level. A much, much smaller group will get to the college level and, with a scholarship. When that athlete is nine or 10 or 11, NO ONE knows what they will be able to accomplish. Athlete, musician, artist, etc., it makes no difference what the discipline is. How many have there been that the consensus was they had the talent, but didnt fulfill on what was expected of them?

If the athlete has a quality experience each year, it allows for the skill and talent to show. It will be clear when they have reached their highest level. The athlete will know and will react accordingly. I will never tell a young person not to aspire to reach the top. I will do everything possible to have them see what it might take to reach their goals.

So what are the biggest factors in the quality of the athletes experience? This falls on two groups of people; coaches and parents. Lets take a look at both.

COACHES

Coaches are respected and even revered from the beginning. Before they have done a single thing they are in an enviable position of influence. So what has them screw it up, when they do?

1. They dont see what is important.

2. They dont create an environment of workability.

3. They dont set the standards for what is acceptable team and individual behavior.

4. They dont know what the athlete wants out of the experience.

5. They take poor performance by the athlete personally.

6. Too much emphasis on winning

7. Failure to create a powerful relationship with the parent(s)

There are more, but this is a start. My book is one source available. It is titled, Hey Mom, Wheres My Glove?, and can be found on-line at lulu.com.

 

PARENTS

I am not telling anyone how to parent their child. I am saying that this is a much more difficult endeavor than parents think. Here are a few guidelines:

1. Provide support as in œgood job not œgood job but¦¦¦¦.!

2. Dont criticize.

3. Dont coach them unless they ask you.

4. Dont criticize the coach. If you have a concern, take it up with the coach, not the

child.

5. Know what is required of your child and support them in making it happen.

6. Remember, they are not playing for you. It is their experience.

 

There is a lot more. This is a start. Read the book.

Athletic competition is one of lifes great experiences. When you have the opportunity, ensure that this is true for that young athlete.