For me, Spring and Summer is time to spend with my kids out on the field. The tween and adolescent years are the most important developmental stages in children. Many of the values, interests, and even social skills are ingrained at this time, and because of this our kids need a helping and guiding hand.
Become a sports coach is a great way to influence children in a positive way, but it can also come with its own set of challenges. Dealing with different personalities, finding the best ways to get kids excited and motivated, and ensuring that all of your players share a rewarding experience can be challenging.
These tips will help you to motivate your team and provide the most positive experience as their coach.
Be patient. Not all of your team members are going to be experts on their sport. Some get in to sports because of their own desire, others are pushed by parents or peers. Take the time to explain rules, concepts, techniques, and strategies.
Don’t over complicate things. Little leagues players and even teenagers aren’t playing in the MLB or NBA. You might know some fancy strategies, plays, and techniques, but this isn’t necessarily the place to implement them. Scale your coaching to your audience, and remember above all else that these are children you’re dealing with.
Build confidence. In the early years, especially for kids aged between 8 and 12, it’s important to build confidence over all else. Your players aren’t necessarily going to become professionals. In fact, the majority of them wont. What they will do is take the confidence and the teamwork skills, and be able to use them in many aspects of their education and later life.
Be a role model. Kids tend to emulate positive role models that they can identify with, so strive to be that person for your team. Preach respect and teamwork, and put it in to practice. Your players will be motivated and influenced by the way you carry yourself.
Make it fun. Never forget that sports should be fun, especially for developing children. An early interest in sport could open limitless possibilities in the future. Make the experience a positive one that your players will never forget.
Coaching is rarely easy. Often you will find that the game plan and actual sporting skills aren’t the hardest aspects of your job. As a children’s sports coach you take on a small part of the responsibility of parenting. Make your influence count and you could be setting your kids up for a future of success in whatever direction they choose to go.
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