Youth-Athlete's Sport Blog

On Saturday April 26, 2008 in the Div 2 Great Northwest Athletic Conference softball finals between Western Oregon and Central Washington, Mallory Holtman and Liz Wallace demonstrate an incredible act of sportsmanship after Sara Tucholsky hit a home run and is injured rounding first base.  What did Mallory and Liz do?  They carried the opponents outfielder around the bases, making sure Sara touched them all, for what eventually turned out to be the winning run.  Although Central Washington lost the game 4-2, Mallory and Liz act of kindness demonstrated sportsmanship that will be used as an example by parents and coaches for years to come.  More...

This story about golf balls in a jar highlights the fact that there are very few life priorities, but a lot of activities that can distract you from those things that are important things. More...

Over the past seven years of coaching, I do not believe I have seen anything more devastating to a team or player's ability than lack of belief in one's ability.  Individuals can move mountains and a player can carry a team through a tough game, if they believe they can do it.  Teams that are the bottom of the standings can competitively play the top ranked team, if they believe. It is mind or physical matter.   When a team is playing in an age or grade appropriate league or tournament, the difference between two teams is much less the physical difference than the mental difference.  Competitive sports is 10% physical and 90% mental.  More...

A good sport's season experience for your child begins with you: the youth athlete's parent. It is up to each of you to make being a youth athlete enjoyable, and to make the season a greater learning experience for your child.  No matter how much you enjoy it, this is for your child.

I would like to share my top 7 thoughts on how to make this a better learning experience for your child and you. These ideas will help to make the next season more fun for your child, more enjoyable for you, and easier on those people who volunteer their time and skills. More...

Let us be clear:  coaching pre-teen youth sports is different than coaching teen recreational and teen competitive youth sports.  The goal of coaching pre-teen sports team is about player development and having fun, the top priority is not about winning.  Too many times I have seen coaches of pre-teen sports teams either play to win at all costs or coach the team around their child.  When this happens some youth players sit out games, loose their interest, and never re-consider rejoining the sport at a later date.

Considerations for coaching pre-teens

Your biggest concerns when coaching kids at the lower levels (pre-teen) should be: More...