Knock it Out of the Park
Helping your child maximize their success during their 2022 sports season
Your son or daughter has completed their off-season training period and is now ready to enter their completive playing schedule. How can you as parents help them to maximize their opportunities and ultimately their success?
1. Start with the end goal in mind.
Go back to your off-season training plan and revisit your child's goals and desires. What are they looking to accomplish in the shorter-term season? What about longer term goals? "The only constant in life is change" - Heraclitus. People, especially children, can change their minds on a dime. Get on the same page as often as possible to ensure you are pulling in the same direction as your child. Don't forget to revisit these types of discussions as the season progresses.
2. Thoroughly read and understand team rules.
Do you and your child actually read them? You should. Usually, this information is critical itself. If nothing else, there will be no surprises when it comes to rules, procedures, and expectations throughout the season. Focus on protocol for how to appropriately communicate with coaches, travel guidelines, etc.
3. Thoroughly read and understand any pre-game/in-game, signs or general routine expectations from coaches.
Show up on time. Understand your coach's pre-game routine, signs, and designed plays. Discuss these items with your child. Try to have your child recite them back to you to build an advanced understanding of the concepts and of the game itself.
4. Over-communicate with coaches & the affiliate organization.
Going into the season you should have a sound idea of your child's planned role on their team. What will it take for them to earn and sustain playing time? What, specifically, are the areas where that need work, which would prevent them from seeing more game time and, with improvement, help them earn more playing time? Check in with your child's coaches throughout the season to receive updates on progress.
5. Try to stay as involved as you are able to, depending on your role with the team.
This could mean volunteering as an assistant coach or just bringing the energy within the cheering section. That said, I've yet to meet a coach at any age, in any sport, who enjoys parents coaching from the stands. Don't put any more pressure on your child than is necessary. On the fly in-game "tips" from the sidelines rarely provide value and often distract your child. Avoid this practice at all times. In concept, this is no different than any other situation in life. Likeability goes a long way, as does rapport. Encourage your child the same way to get out of their comfort zone and contribute positively to a high energy, thriving team chemistry. Make sure your young athlete isn't skimping on their in-season maintenance training, including sport specific training, strength training, and nutrition.
I've spoken with hundreds of parents in my nearly 15 years of youth sports involvement. We all know the demands of parenthood are unlike any other that we encounter in life. Hopefully some of these ideas can help you organize your thoughts and provide the confidence that you are indeed "doing the most" for your child.
-Coach Sus