Merry, merry, happy, happy
"and so it is Chrstmas
and what have you done" - John Lennon
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Positive Sports Tip for Today and Everyday
Positive Parenting Sports Perspective
It astounds me when parents say “It’s all in their head,” as to why their kids are not performing well. I have found this is rarely the case. Most bad performances lead back to incorrect fundamentals.
1. Every day a player spends reinforcing bad habits, makes it that much more difficult to change to good habits. 2. Learning and practicing the correct fundamentals as soon as possible will pay off, if not immediately, then definitely with the increased level of fundamentals at the start of the following season. 3. The money parents spend to help improve a players fundamentals is usually well worth it, as long as it is spent with a well respected, knowledgeable coach.
It astounds me when parents say “It’s all in their head,” as to why their kids are not performing well. I have found this is rarely the case. Most bad performances lead back to incorrect fundamentals.
1. Every day a player spends reinforcing bad habits, makes it that much more difficult to change to good habits. 2. Learning and practicing the correct fundamentals as soon as possible will pay off, if not immediately, then definitely with the increased level of fundamentals at the start of the following season. 3. The money parents spend to help improve a players fundamentals is usually well worth it, as long as it is spent with a well respected, knowledgeable coach.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Positive Sports Tip for Today and Everyday
Making Sports Fun
When the season starts to drag for players and coaches, here are a few fun ideas for sports coaches.
1. Have the players (team) design a practice making it clear that the practice cannot just be playing the game.
2. Have an autograph day where each kid brings some sports pictures of themselves. Team members sign autographs before and after the game for each other, family members and any other interested parties.
3. Film a game or practice game including pre-game and post-game interviews of players and watch it on a rainy day or at a team party.
When the season starts to drag for players and coaches, here are a few fun ideas for sports coaches.
1. Have the players (team) design a practice making it clear that the practice cannot just be playing the game.
2. Have an autograph day where each kid brings some sports pictures of themselves. Team members sign autographs before and after the game for each other, family members and any other interested parties.
3. Film a game or practice game including pre-game and post-game interviews of players and watch it on a rainy day or at a team party.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Positive Sports Tip for Today and Everyday
Positive Parenting Perspective
Recently, a parent of one of my students says to me, “I know my kids will not make it to the pros, but I just want to keep them out of trouble.” It is true - 99% of young athletes are not going to be pro athletes. However, there are so many great things that youth sports can provide kids - camaraderie, teamwork, sportsmanship, work ethic – just to name a few. And maybe most important as this parent states – playing sports can occupy kids time, which is no small matter in this day and age. So many other influences can occur when kids have too much time on their hands, so I commended this parent for having a great positive parenting perspective.
Recently, a parent of one of my students says to me, “I know my kids will not make it to the pros, but I just want to keep them out of trouble.” It is true - 99% of young athletes are not going to be pro athletes. However, there are so many great things that youth sports can provide kids - camaraderie, teamwork, sportsmanship, work ethic – just to name a few. And maybe most important as this parent states – playing sports can occupy kids time, which is no small matter in this day and age. So many other influences can occur when kids have too much time on their hands, so I commended this parent for having a great positive parenting perspective.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Positive Sports Tip for Today and Everyday
Positive Coaching Tip
Parents and coaches often tell kids to go out there and prove yourself or to prove to the coach that you should be playing more, etc… These statements can be used as good motivators from time to time but often they set players up for greater disappointment when they do not prove themselves. It is better positive coaching advice to tell kids to play to”im-prove" instead of trying to prove themself.
Parents and coaches often tell kids to go out there and prove yourself or to prove to the coach that you should be playing more, etc… These statements can be used as good motivators from time to time but often they set players up for greater disappointment when they do not prove themselves. It is better positive coaching advice to tell kids to play to”im-prove" instead of trying to prove themself.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Positive Sports Tip for Today and Everyday
Burnout in Sports
Here are some signs of athletic burnout that parents should watch for when raising an athlete. Burnout usually occurs from one of three things. 1. Over-playing – one sport, games and practice combined. 2. Over-sporting, too many sports at one time. 3. Over-expecting – expectations are too high, either from others or self, players can become burned out trying to reach the unreachable. Things to watch for – easily angered player, inattentive player, non-respectful player, very unmotivated – and these are occurring when the player never showed these tendencies before.
Here are some signs of athletic burnout that parents should watch for when raising an athlete. Burnout usually occurs from one of three things. 1. Over-playing – one sport, games and practice combined. 2. Over-sporting, too many sports at one time. 3. Over-expecting – expectations are too high, either from others or self, players can become burned out trying to reach the unreachable. Things to watch for – easily angered player, inattentive player, non-respectful player, very unmotivated – and these are occurring when the player never showed these tendencies before.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Positive Sports Tip for Today and Everyday
A Coach's Influence
Sports parents should not underestimate the influence that their child’s coach have on kids. Good coaches who care, inspire and teach can be the most influential person in a child's life. Finding this type coach at the youth level can be difficult but is well worth the time and effort for parents. Parents should look for these type coaches at least by the time a player reaches the travel and high school levels. It may mean moving to a better school district or traveling a further distance, but the opportunity to play for such a positive role model is often worth it for a child's future in and out of the sport.
Sports parents should not underestimate the influence that their child’s coach have on kids. Good coaches who care, inspire and teach can be the most influential person in a child's life. Finding this type coach at the youth level can be difficult but is well worth the time and effort for parents. Parents should look for these type coaches at least by the time a player reaches the travel and high school levels. It may mean moving to a better school district or traveling a further distance, but the opportunity to play for such a positive role model is often worth it for a child's future in and out of the sport.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Positive Sports Tip for Today and Everyday
Positive Sports Coaching
I see it happen all the time – a ball player goes up to bat and his coach starts yelling to do this (“swing level,” i.e.) and the player’s parents are yelling (“keep your hands up,” i.e.) and then the hitter lets pitches go by that are right down the middle. The coach and parents both sigh with disbelief thinking “why didn’t he swing at that.” Little do they realize that the ball player didn’t swing because he was thinking about how he was going to keep his hands up and swing level. Giving fundamental instructions during games takes concentration away from what is important, timing the ball in this instance. Coaches and parents should stick with words of encouragement during games and leave fundamental tips for practice. This allows players the chance to give their ultimate concentration to the things that are important to succeed. When success doesn’t come, more practice is necessary and the time to work on the fundamentals.
I see it happen all the time – a ball player goes up to bat and his coach starts yelling to do this (“swing level,” i.e.) and the player’s parents are yelling (“keep your hands up,” i.e.) and then the hitter lets pitches go by that are right down the middle. The coach and parents both sigh with disbelief thinking “why didn’t he swing at that.” Little do they realize that the ball player didn’t swing because he was thinking about how he was going to keep his hands up and swing level. Giving fundamental instructions during games takes concentration away from what is important, timing the ball in this instance. Coaches and parents should stick with words of encouragement during games and leave fundamental tips for practice. This allows players the chance to give their ultimate concentration to the things that are important to succeed. When success doesn’t come, more practice is necessary and the time to work on the fundamentals.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Positive Sports Tip for Today and Everyday
Rewards for Athletes
Sports parents and coaches should be careful of rewarding teams or individuals when they win or play well. Adults often do this by promising to go to a certain restaurant or by buying players things when they win or perform well. The problem is that kids end up playing more for the rewards then for the fun of the game and for winning itself. It may even set players up for more disappointment when they did not perform well. This practice also puts parents in a bad spot of having to deny things to expectant kids. Surprising players occasionally with a little reward for great effort level, win or lose, can be a good gesture, though.
Sports parents and coaches should be careful of rewarding teams or individuals when they win or play well. Adults often do this by promising to go to a certain restaurant or by buying players things when they win or perform well. The problem is that kids end up playing more for the rewards then for the fun of the game and for winning itself. It may even set players up for more disappointment when they did not perform well. This practice also puts parents in a bad spot of having to deny things to expectant kids. Surprising players occasionally with a little reward for great effort level, win or lose, can be a good gesture, though.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Positive Sports Tip for Today and Everyday
Positive Coaching
“Scoreboard begins with letter S, but so does Sportsmanship.” The point is that who wins and loses is somewhat important but the feelings associated with them goes away quickly. The feeling one gets when applying good sportsmanship is a way of life and never goes away. Acts of good sportsmanship will be remembered by many and maybe even forever.
“Scoreboard begins with letter S, but so does Sportsmanship.” The point is that who wins and loses is somewhat important but the feelings associated with them goes away quickly. The feeling one gets when applying good sportsmanship is a way of life and never goes away. Acts of good sportsmanship will be remembered by many and maybe even forever.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Positive Sports Tip for Today and Everyday
Simple Way to Help Athletes
I hear this comment all the time, “He/she can do it in practice, but not in games.” A very common and very frustrating occurrence, of course, for both players and parents. Most of the time, this happens because players’ fundamentals are not that sound but it may be that players are feeling increased sports pressure in games. With this in mind, coaches should teach kids to take a deep breath right before play begins. Taking a deep breath right before sports action can players relax and focus and help eliminate excess sports pressure.
I hear this comment all the time, “He/she can do it in practice, but not in games.” A very common and very frustrating occurrence, of course, for both players and parents. Most of the time, this happens because players’ fundamentals are not that sound but it may be that players are feeling increased sports pressure in games. With this in mind, coaches should teach kids to take a deep breath right before play begins. Taking a deep breath right before sports action can players relax and focus and help eliminate excess sports pressure.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Positive Sports Tip for Today and Everyday
Signs of Parental Pressure
Many sports parents don’t realize that they are exerting excessive parental pressure on their sports playing kids. If parents notice the following they may be placing more pressure on their kids than they realize: 1. When analyzing their child’s play to others, the young player always disagrees with the analysis. 2. When a child is playing or practicing, they are constantly looking to their parent for approval and/or for instruction. Parents should allow and insist that their kid pays attention to their coach during practice and games and not to any outsiders, including parents.
Many sports parents don’t realize that they are exerting excessive parental pressure on their sports playing kids. If parents notice the following they may be placing more pressure on their kids than they realize: 1. When analyzing their child’s play to others, the young player always disagrees with the analysis. 2. When a child is playing or practicing, they are constantly looking to their parent for approval and/or for instruction. Parents should allow and insist that their kid pays attention to their coach during practice and games and not to any outsiders, including parents.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Positive Sports Tip for Today and Everyday
Sports perspective
Sports parents should know that it is OK to miss their kids games sometimes. Making every day and week revolve around their kids games isn't always the best thing. Placing so much emphasis on the child’s sports career to the point where the sport becomes “everything” to every one" isn't the correct sports perspective, in my opinion. This doesn’t mean parents should not show interest with post-game questions, praise and encouragement, but it is not necessary to be at every game. Kids may just enjoy the game more, too, especially when parents seem to overanalyze their kid's performance.
Sports parents should know that it is OK to miss their kids games sometimes. Making every day and week revolve around their kids games isn't always the best thing. Placing so much emphasis on the child’s sports career to the point where the sport becomes “everything” to every one" isn't the correct sports perspective, in my opinion. This doesn’t mean parents should not show interest with post-game questions, praise and encouragement, but it is not necessary to be at every game. Kids may just enjoy the game more, too, especially when parents seem to overanalyze their kid's performance.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Positive Sports Tip for Today and Everyday
Maybe Best Sleep It Off
When sport parents feel disappointment over their child’s effort level or practice habits, it is sometimes best to tell them later, even the next day. This may lead to a sleepless night for the parent, but not to a bunch of sleepless nights because you say the wrong thing immediately after games. Saying something harsh when emotions are high is never good when dealing with kids. Saying things with the correct words and with the proper emotion will make everyone (kids and sport parents) feel better in the long run.
When sport parents feel disappointment over their child’s effort level or practice habits, it is sometimes best to tell them later, even the next day. This may lead to a sleepless night for the parent, but not to a bunch of sleepless nights because you say the wrong thing immediately after games. Saying something harsh when emotions are high is never good when dealing with kids. Saying things with the correct words and with the proper emotion will make everyone (kids and sport parents) feel better in the long run.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Positive Sports Tip for Today and Everyday
Doing something right and doing something almost right is the difference between athletic success and failure. Parents should keep this in mind when they can’t figure out why their kids are atruggling to have success in sports. Skill development in every sport requires correct fundamentals repeated continually in practice so that the skill happens automatically in games. Practicing a skill almost correctly but not totally correct will lead to game failure when athletes move up the sports ladder. Having a players skills reviewed by a professional coach and practicing the suggested tips will almost always be beneficial for a players future.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Positive Sports Tip for Today and Everyday
Sports success doesn’t come that easy - there are no shortcuts to sports success. Letting kids know that they (players) will feel satisfied, win or lose, only after they have prepared to the degree they are comfortable with is important positive coaching advice. This degree of practice and effort varies of course for each individual – some are satisfied doing a little where others are satisfied only if they prepare a great deal. Parents should recognize that kids are different and not expect more than what their child is willing to give. However, parents should emphasize to their kids that they (kids) will be most satisfied when they put in more effort and practice.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Positive Sports Tip for Today and Everyday
Positive Parent Idea
Casually stating to your sports playing child a memory of a good athletic play that they made at an unlikely time is a good positive parenting idea. For example: while sitting on the beach with your child or driving to school saying “I just thought of the time you made that game saving tackle” will put a good thought in your child’s mind and can boost their self -confidence and self-esteem. Saying things like this at an unlikely time can make everybody's day. Remembering your kid's positive sporting images is good practice for parents as well as kids, especially when kids are going through struggling athletic times.
Casually stating to your sports playing child a memory of a good athletic play that they made at an unlikely time is a good positive parenting idea. For example: while sitting on the beach with your child or driving to school saying “I just thought of the time you made that game saving tackle” will put a good thought in your child’s mind and can boost their self -confidence and self-esteem. Saying things like this at an unlikely time can make everybody's day. Remembering your kid's positive sporting images is good practice for parents as well as kids, especially when kids are going through struggling athletic times.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Positive Sports Tip for Today and Everyday
Sport Parents - Setting the Example
Parents should never cease to encourage athletes to work hard and expressing how much you (parents) appreciate it when they do work hard is important. Not every athlete can be successful but letting kids know that they are winners because of their high degree of effort is what’s important. Sport parents who display a good work ethic in their own lives go along way towards teaching kids how and the importance of hard work. Reminding athletes that they can not always control the outcome but they can control their amount of effort and preparation is the key. What athletes usually figure out is that the increased effort usually helps determine success and as we all know positive outcomes make playing more fun.
Parents should never cease to encourage athletes to work hard and expressing how much you (parents) appreciate it when they do work hard is important. Not every athlete can be successful but letting kids know that they are winners because of their high degree of effort is what’s important. Sport parents who display a good work ethic in their own lives go along way towards teaching kids how and the importance of hard work. Reminding athletes that they can not always control the outcome but they can control their amount of effort and preparation is the key. What athletes usually figure out is that the increased effort usually helps determine success and as we all know positive outcomes make playing more fun.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Positive Sports Tip for Today and Everyday
Positive Coaching Tip
Not all kids have great sport skills or leadership skills, but all kids have skills that they can contribute to their teams. Sport parents and coaches should encourage kids to use the skills they have - social skills, comical skills, organizing skills, computer skills - whatever, and incorporate them into the sports team in some way. Letting kids know that they do not have to be star players to be sports team contributors is important. Additionally, all players can contribute with their enthusiasm and with “being there” for their struggling teammates, and good coaches encourage kids to do this.
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