Positive Parenting in Sports by Former Major Leaguer Jack Perconte

Travel Ball Conundrum

Whether a child should play travel ball in a particular sport or not and at what age to begin playing is often a tough call for parents. In my latest book Raising an Athlete, I spend a whole chapter discussing this dilemma. There are four key things that can help determine Read the rest of this entry »

I often encounter kids that play baseball because their parents want them to. I can tell their heart is not in it and are only playing to please their parent. This is unfortunate at times, especially when the parent gets upset with the childs attitude. The problem is that parents may have waited too long to help the child develop a serious interest in that activity. Read the rest of this entry »

Over the years, one of the most trying situations I encounter as a youth coach is dealing with the “Know it All Player.” More often than not this player tends to be a young teenager who is not afraid to be bold and let me know  that his way is better Read the rest of this entry »

    I have received this comment many times from parents over the years, “Would you make him a major leaguer.” I always respond with “only he can do that, but I will try to instill the correct fundamentals and impress upon him the importance of a great work ethic.” To avoid having Read the rest of this entry »

A few posts back I wrote about always being on the lookout for little inspirational quotes to have ready to say to athletes. Words are great but not as good as actions, of course. With that in mind, here are the three key ways to motivate athletes: Read the rest of this entry »

It is very common for kids to dislike their coach for what ever reasons. Sometimes kids have a legitimate gripe but parents should not allow kids to trash talk their coach. Kids should be brought up to respect other adults as long as those coaches are not abusive in any way. It is important that parents inform kids that their coach is Read the rest of this entry »

Previously, I had written about my favorite word when talking to athletes was “we.” It gives off the feeling to youth that all (parents, athletes and players) are in it together and that the athlete does not have to figure it out or go it alone on their Read the rest of this entry »

Coachable Players

Often when working with athletes I will sense a reluctance in some to try what I suggest. They may even blurt out, “My dad told me to do it another way,” or “My coach told me to do this” or even “My friend says this works for him.” I usually respond with “Give this way a try and we will find what works best.” Along the same lines, parents often ask what I recommend when two different coaches are teaching two different things. I tell them to tell their son or daughter that, Read the rest of this entry »

     I work with baseball and softball palyers all the time because that is what I do for a living. Inevitably, when I begin talking to a group of players, many of them will immediately look elsewhere than at me. Is that a little annoying? Yes, but the Read the rest of this entry »

A great way to develop enthusiam and love for a sport is to go to upper level games in that sport. This may seem obvious but the trick is to follow it up with some action. Going to professional games is great and creates enthusiasm, but it may not create a love for the sport. Love develops when kids have the opportunity to try what they observe. That is why I endorse taking kids to local high school and college games where they can feel the excitement of the experience but at the same time be able to take out some equipment and play that sport after watching for a period. There is often some room where parents and kids can go, adjacent to the fields, where they can play awhile. The ability to follow up the viewing with some play creates a deeper feeling in the young athlete for that sport.

Game Changer

I read about a new device that parents may be interested in at Lisa Winston’s great blog site. Check this device out – seems too good to be true for baseball parents
 http://gotmilb.mlblogs.com/archives/2010/01/gamechanger_where_were_you_whe.html

Good article at http://www.zikkir.com/index/109247 - Marye and I agree that parenting can be difficult and no where is that more evident than dealing with all the emotions that go into watching our kids play sports. We love our children so much and want to help them so much that often these factors get in the way Read the rest of this entry »

If you are a coach or parent and are not reading blogs and articles at sites like this one http://baseballparentguide.blogspot.com/2009/12/too-much-emphasis-on-winning-not.html then you are not maximizing your potential as a sports parent and/or youth coach. I Read the rest of this entry »

Parents don’t have to give a big speech to inspire their kids and giving one is one of the best ways to alienate kids anyway. Giving short inpirational messages though at the appropriate time is “priceless” as the saying goes. Kids in sports and life encounter many Read the rest of this entry »

Parents often become concerned because their kids come home from practice and don’t appear very enthusiastic. “It was so boring,” is a common response. What to do? Good coaches know what to do – everything in sports require players learning how to do things quicker and faster. With this in mind, good coaches turn their practice drills into Read the rest of this entry »

Practicing Together - Priceless

Following are a few new year’s resolutions for parents for “being there” for their kids:
1. Find an safe area around house where kids can practice their favorite sport.
2. Practice with them when they ask – find the time.
3. Make it fun – set up little contests, tournaments if possible.
4. Point out fundamentals in a positive manner but do not dwell on them.
5. Film child and watch it sometime – put up on big screen if can – kids love watching themselves. Evaluate fundamentals only if child wants you to and you have expertise to do so.
6. Watch inspirational sports movies occasionally with kids.

by Former Major Leaguer Jack Perconte
    I have read where the word “You” is the most empowering word in the English language and the best word to use to inspire someone. “You can do it,” “You are the best” and “I believe in you”  are great examples of support to youth. However, it is very easy to use the “you” word Read the rest of this entry »

Preparing to Aim Straight

Now is a good time to think about your kid’s sports schedules for next season so that your young athlete is prepared for each sport they may play. It is especially good to be aware of any sport that Read the rest of this entry »

Holiday Gift Idea

Many parts of our nation will be experiencing some cold weather months ahead. This doesn’t mean that athletes should stop their training for the spring and summer sports. The off season is a great time to “condition the mind” as well as the body. For those looking for some Read the rest of this entry »

It would be great if parents could afford to buy every child exactly what they wanted for Christmas and on other gift giving occasions. As most people know, this is not always possible. It is important that parents explain Read the rest of this entry »

Raising an Athlete

Had a great time talking sports with Joe Magennis – he is doing neat things over at his website. Check it out at:
http://baseballisms.com/podcast-author-jack-perconte.html

Keys to Success

Following are parenting tips to help bring out the best in athletes and to guarantee athletic success.
1. Begin working on skills at least 6 weeks before the start of practice and gradually increase the work load each week leading up to the season.
2. Begin teaching basic fundamentals at a young age without being overbearing with instruction, of course. Read the rest of this entry »

Parenitng Advice

Jack’s recent article for Press Enterprise blog
http://blogs.pe.com/moms/2009/11/where-the-wild-things-are-in-s.html

Sports Coaching Philosophy

Coaching Philosophy

    It is important for coaches at all levels to have a philosophy of coaching. Of course, this philosophy should be arrived at based on the age of athletes and the competitive level of the league the athletes are playing in. For example, travel leagues tend to be more competitive so this should be taken into account when coaches are drawing up their philosophy. Three main objectives of playing Read the rest of this entry »

Youth Sports Coaching

Jack’s Article for Press Enterprise – Southern Californiahttp://blogs.pe.com/moms/2009/10/be-careful-of-the-star-treatme.html