The Power of Hope

Confidence is great and so valuable in sports. Unfortunately, confidence comes and goes. Additionally, confidence isn’t something that someone else can just give an athlete, they pretty much gain it or lose it from time to time on their own. Hope, however is something that someone can give a player, especially when their confidence is waning. Parents and coaches should continually give players hope with words of encouragement and most importantly through some well-founded fundamental tip. Giving players an educated fundamental tip provides players hope that if they try the suggested tip, they will have athletic success. Sometimes, the tip may be the solution, but most important, the player will have renewed hope, however fleeting, that athletic success can be achieved.

Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

Positive Sports Tip of the Day

Positive parenting posts:

1. Positive Sports Tip Of the Day Image via Wikipedia Expect Success Recently, I wrote that...
2. Positive Sports Tip of the Day Image by Beniamino Baj via Flickr Optimism In my...
3. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – S Success – The old saying “nothing succeeds like success” does...
4. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – Q Quit - An obvious word when it comes to the...
5. Raising an Athlete – Book Excerpt      Another common concern parents have is that their child...

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The Power of Breathing to Eliminate 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 like in a doctors office before a pitch. They don’t have to make it real obvious to everyone around but taking this deep breath can help a player relax and focus, which eliminates excess sports pressure.

Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

Parenting (Coaching) Tip of Day

Positive parenting posts:

1. Creating Enthusiasm in Athletes Image by Getty Images via Daylife A great way...
2. Positive Sports Tip of the Day Image by Beniamino Baj via Flickr Optimism In my...
3. Positive Parenting (Coaching) Tip of the Day Image by ArkansasSportsPhotography.com via Flickr Many parents don’t realize...
4. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – P Patience & Perspective Now we are talking – there are...
5. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – N Negativity – First word that comes to mind when I...

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Many parents don’t realize that they are exerting excessive parental pressure on their sports playing kids. If parents notice the following happening often they should learn to back off some. 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.

Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

Positive Parenting (Coaching) Tip of the Day

Positive parenting posts:

1. Positive Parenting in Sports – New Year’s Resolutions Following are a few new year’s resolutions for parents for...
2. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – Burnout – Parenting Advice   Burnout – Another common word when talking about yout...
3. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – L Love of the Game – Love is the first...
4. Positive Parenting Lessons at Holiday Time It would be great if parents could afford to buy...
5. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports Coaching – W Winning – The first word that comes to mind when...

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Sleep on It
When parents feel disappointment over their child’s effort level or practice habits, it is a good idea to wait to tell them 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. Giving yourself time to say something with the correct words and with the proper emotion will make everyone (kids and parents) feel better in the long run. 

Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

Positive Parenting (Coaching) Tip of Day

Positive parenting posts:

1. Showing Understanding – Sports Coaching Following is Jack’s article he writes for the Press Enterprise...
2. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – N Negativity – First word that comes to mind when I...
3. Positive Sports Tip of the Day Image via Wikipedia Heat or Ice for Sports Injury...
4. Ways to Minimize Parental Pressure – Positive Parenting The following tips can help parents to minimize the pressure...
5. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports Coaching – Y Youth  – Things are getting tough down here at the...

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Remember, 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 the game. Practicing a skill almost correctly but not totally correct will lead to game failure in time. Having a players skills reviewed by a professional and practicing the suggested tips will almost always be beneficial for a players future.  

Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

Positive Parenting (Coaching) Tip of the Day

Positive parenting posts:

1. 5 Keys to Success in Sports Following are parenting tips to help bring out the best...
2. Positive Parenting in Sports – New Year’s Resolutions Following are a few new year’s resolutions for parents for...
3. Ways to Minimize Parental Pressure – Positive Parenting The following tips can help parents to minimize the pressure...
4. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – P Patience & Perspective Now we are talking – there are...
5. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – R Resiliency – Another one of my favorite words with regards...

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* “Everyone has the will to win – the winners are those that have the will to prepare to win” is one of  my favorite quotes I have come across. This point cannot be emphasized enough to kids who often expect success because they show up and play the games. Sports success doesn’t come that easy where there is almost always a winner and loser. 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 varies of course for each individual player – 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. This is not to say that parents should not emphasize that they(kids) will be most satisfied when they put in their best effort.

Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

Parenting (Coaching) Tip of the Day

Positive parenting posts:

1. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – Coaching Philosophy   Sports Coaching Philosophy Coaching Philosophy     It is important...
2. 5 Keys to Success in Sports Following are parenting tips to help bring out the best...
3. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – Q Quit - An obvious word when it comes to the...
4. Ways to Minimize Parental Pressure – Positive Parenting The following tips can help parents to minimize the pressure...
5. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports Coaching – W Winning – The first word that comes to mind when...

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Casually bringing up a memory of a good athletic play that your child 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. Putting positive sporting images in the mind is good practice for parents as well as kids, especially when kids are going through struggling athletic times.

Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

Positive Parenting (Coaching) Tip of Day

Positive parenting posts:

1. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – Burnout – Parenting Advice   Burnout – Another common word when talking about yout...
2. The Travel Ball Conundrum Image by Getty Images via Daylife Whether a child...
3. Positive Parenting in Sports – New Year’s Resolutions Following are a few new year’s resolutions for parents for...
4. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – P Patience & Perspective Now we are talking – there are...
5. Positive Parenting (Coaching) Tip of Day Image by Getty Images via Daylife How to help...

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I have been keeping up with Luann on her training for fun blog – even though I am a guy, of course – but recognize the importance of what she believes in. Parents, in my opinion, should not miss out on doing these type things when their kids are young – otherwise, parents often look back when their kids are teenagers and wonder why they and their kids have nothing in common or why their kids turn to their peers for advice more than they turn to mom and dad. Here is a review of my book that she did but be sure and check out all her writing.
http://www.trainingforfun.com/book-review-raising-an-athlete-by-jack-perconte/
See more at www.trainingforfun.com

Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

Training for Fun – Great Blog for Moms

Positive parenting posts:

1. Positive Sports Tip of the Day Image by Beniamino Baj via Flickr Optimism In my...
2. It’s All About “Perspective” – Parenting Advice From Jack’s blog at the Press Enterprise – Southern California...
3. Positive Sports Tip of the Day Image by chemisti via Flickr 4 Things to Try...
4. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – Burnout – Parenting Advice   Burnout – Another common word when talking about yout...
5. Positive Parenting (Coaching) Tip of Day Image by Spree2010 via Flickr Sleep on It When...

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    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 regrets later and to reach one’s potential, a great work ethic is mandatory in sports and life. With that in mind, follwing are some of the statements that I often repeat to my students:
1. It is not the fast one out that wins in the long run but the steady methodical athlete who continually works at their skills.
2. An athlete can not always control the outcome but they can control their amount of effort and preparation, which usually helps determine the outcome
3. Keep positive images in your mind – think about that great  play you made and forget your mistakes and losses
4.  Everyone has the will to win – the winners are those that have the will to prepare to win. (Qoute is from some famous person who I am not sure)

Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

Sports Parenting Tips – Developing a Good Work Ethic

Positive parenting posts:

1. Positive Parenting (Coaching) Tip of the Day Image by The Library of Congress via Flickr Encouraging athletes...
2. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – S Success – The old saying “nothing succeeds like success” does...
3. Raising an Athlete – Book Excerpt      Another common concern parents have is that their child...
4. Developing Coachable Players Image by Getty Images via Daylife Often when working with...
5. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – O Optimism – One of my favorite words and concepts that...

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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 volunteering their time and have good intentions, even if the coach is not great at communicating or when the coach is short of knowledge of the sport. When kids get bad coaches, parents should use the situation as a good teaching moment and look for any possible alternatives for their kids, but still should not let their kids bad-mouth their coach. Of course, this does not mean that parents should not listen to their kids concerns and help their kids get through the season as smoothly as possible. 

Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

Don’t Allow Coach Trashing

Positive parenting posts:

1. Developing Coachable Players Image by Getty Images via Daylife Often when working with...
2. Positive Parenting (Coaching) Tip of Day Image by Getty Images via Daylife How to help...
3. Positive Parenting in Sports – When to Volunteer There are a number of considerations adults should take into...
4. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – Coaching Philosophy   Sports Coaching Philosophy Coaching Philosophy     It is important...
5. Positive Coaching – Check Ego in at the Door Image by melissajonas via Flickr Over the years, one...

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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, ”Everything is worth a try so try what each coach suggests and go with what works. Have your child nod in agreement even if they know it is different from what another coach is teaching.” The point of this post is that athletes should not get in the habit of not listening to or trying what each coach suggests. That would be a great way of getting on the bad side of a coach and/or getting labeled as an uncoachable player. Coaches like to think they have the answers and that they know more than the player’s parents.  If players act like the coach is not correct, it definitely gives coaches a bad impression of that player. This often leads to bad consequences for these players resulting in a) the coach proceeds to ignore the player from then on b) it affects the player’s playing time c) the player gets cut from the team or doesn’t make the team. This situation is a great teaching moment for parents and gives your son or daughter the best chance of keeping a “coachable player” reputation, which is important for players looking to advance into high school baseball or beyond.

Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

Developing Coachable Players

Positive parenting posts:

1. Sports Parenting Tips – Developing a Good Work Ethic Image by charissa1066 via Flickr     I have received...
2. Parenting Practice for Sports Parents Image by bowbrick via Flickr Good article at http://www.zikkir.com/index/109247 -...
3. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – L Love of the Game – Love is the first...
4. I Believe in You & I Will Be Pulling for You – Positive Coaching Image by Development Works Photos via Flickr Having taught...
5. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – P Patience & Perspective Now we are talking – there are...

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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

Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

Game Changer for Parents

Positive parenting posts:

1. Positive Parenting Podcast with Jack Perconte Had a great time talking sports with Joe Magennis –...
2. Where the Wild Things Are In Sports Jack’s recent article for Press Enterprise blog http://blogs.pe.com/moms/2009/11/where-the-wild-things-are-in-s.html Post...
3. Showing Understanding – Sports Coaching Following is Jack’s article he writes for the Press Enterprise...
4. “Star Treatment” Jack’s Article for Press Enterprise – Southern Californiahttp://blogs.pe.com/moms/2009/10/be-careful-of-the-star-treatme.html Post...
5. Excuses,Excuses – Parenting Advice Jack’s recent article for the Press Enterprise Blog – Southern...

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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 of being the best parent at these moments. As she suggests in the article, parents should practice parenting – I know this seems weird but it is true. A good way to start is with my rule of 3.
When player makes mistakes count to 3 before saying anything.
When player has a tough game wait 3 hours before talking about game.
When player wants to quit a sport – tell them to wait 3 days to see if feeling change.
    Obviously, you can make this the rule of 4,5, whatever but the point is that a little time before reacting avoids impulsive, regrettable behavior that may hurt feelings between parent and athlete.

Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

Parenting Practice for Sports Parents

Positive parenting posts:

1. Positive Sports Tip of the Day Image by chemisti via Flickr 4 Things to Try...
2. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – P Patience & Perspective Now we are talking – there are...
3. Positive Parenting (Coaching) Tip of Day Image by Spree2010 via Flickr Sleep on It When...
4. Positive Parenting (Coaching) Tip of the Day Image by VDP Sport fotograaf via Flickr Burnout There...
5. Youth Coaches Training Image by Brian Sawyer via Flickr If you are...

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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 situations that can disappoint and discourage them so providing little inpirational words can help them deal with those situations.
    Just recently, I had to throw the famous saying “Where there’s a will there’s a way” at one of my kids after they had to maneuver to get through a tough situation. Looking up inspirational quotes, or making some up yourself is suggested for parents to be ready for times when their athletes have to overcome adversity. Some of my favorites include “no fear,” “negativity rarely if ever helps” and “you will get through this and be stronger for it.” Once again, they are not totally original but come in handy for youth sports. 

Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

Providing Inspiration

Positive parenting posts:

1. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – N Negativity – First word that comes to mind when I...
2. ABC”s of Positive Parenting in Sports Coaching – Z ZEAL – Finally made it to the end of the...
3. ABC’s of Positive Parenting – M   Motivation – The first word that comes to mind...
4. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports Coaching – U Understanding - ”I understand that just because a skill is easy...
5. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – Burnout – Parenting Advice   Burnout – Another common word when talking about yout...

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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.

Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

Positive Parenting in Sports – New Year’s Resolutions

Positive parenting posts:

1. Positive Sports Tip of the Day Image via Wikipedia Fun Sports Practice Ideas Sometimes the...
2. Love of Sport Image via Wikipedia I often encounter kids that play...
3. Making Sports Fun by Jack Perconte Image via Wikipedia Parents often become concerned because their...
4. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – L Love of the Game – Love is the first...
5. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – P Patience & Perspective Now we are talking – there are...

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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  negatively like, “You will never be any good doing it like that,” “You have to practice, more” and “You embarrass me” and so on. Used in this manner the you word becomes a drag on kids desire to play sports.
    My favorite word when it comes to working with athletes is “We.” “Don’t worry about it, we will figure it out,” “We will work on it” and “We can do better next time” are positive statements to kids, giving them the understanding that you and your kids are in it together. Saying things with we is much more comforting and inspiring to young athletes.  Parents who use “we” when addressing their kids may see a positive change in their kids practice habits and sports performance.

Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

My Favorite Positive Parenting Word?

Positive parenting posts:

1. One Word Never to Use with Young Athletes – Keys to Successful Parenting Image by thejesse via Flickr Previously, I had written...
2. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – O Optimism – One of my favorite words and concepts that...
3. Positive Parenting in Sports – New Year’s Resolutions Following are a few new year’s resolutions for parents for...
4. ABC’s of Positive Parenting – M   Motivation – The first word that comes to mind...
5. 5 Keys to Success in Sports Following are parenting tips to help bring out the best...

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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

Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

Where the Wild Things Are In Sports

Positive parenting posts:

1. Excuses,Excuses – Parenting Advice Jack’s recent article for the Press Enterprise Blog – Southern...
2. It’s All About “Perspective” – Parenting Advice From Jack’s blog at the Press Enterprise – Southern California...
3. “Star Treatment” Jack’s Article for Press Enterprise – Southern Californiahttp://blogs.pe.com/moms/2009/10/be-careful-of-the-star-treatme.html Post...
4. Negative Gestures Hurt as Much as Negative Words – Sports Coaching Reprint from Jack’s Press Enterprise Blog – Southern California...
5. Showing Understanding – Sports Coaching Following is Jack’s article he writes for the Press Enterprise...

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Youth Sports Coaching

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

Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

“Star Treatment”

Positive parenting posts:

1. Showing Understanding – Sports Coaching Following is Jack’s article he writes for the Press Enterprise...
2. Where the Wild Things Are In Sports Jack’s recent article for Press Enterprise blog http://blogs.pe.com/moms/2009/11/where-the-wild-things-are-in-s.html Post...
3. Excuses,Excuses – Parenting Advice Jack’s recent article for the Press Enterprise Blog – Southern...
4. It’s All About “Perspective” – Parenting Advice From Jack’s blog at the Press Enterprise – Southern California...
5. Negative Gestures Hurt as Much as Negative Words – Sports Coaching Reprint from Jack’s Press Enterprise Blog – Southern California...

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Sports Coaching Tips

Jack’s recent article for the Press Enterprise Blog – Southern California Newspaper Online
http://blogs.pe.com/moms/2009/10/making-outs-and-i-am-not-talki.html

Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

Excuses,Excuses – Parenting Advice

Positive parenting posts:

1. Where the Wild Things Are In Sports Jack’s recent article for Press Enterprise blog http://blogs.pe.com/moms/2009/11/where-the-wild-things-are-in-s.html Post...
2. “Star Treatment” Jack’s Article for Press Enterprise – Southern Californiahttp://blogs.pe.com/moms/2009/10/be-careful-of-the-star-treatme.html Post...
3. It’s All About “Perspective” – Parenting Advice From Jack’s blog at the Press Enterprise – Southern California...
4. Negative Gestures Hurt as Much as Negative Words – Sports Coaching Reprint from Jack’s Press Enterprise Blog – Southern California...
5. Showing Understanding – Sports Coaching Following is Jack’s article he writes for the Press Enterprise...

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Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

Showing Understanding – Sports Coaching

Positive parenting posts:

1. Don’t Allow Coach Trashing Image by Getty Images via Daylife It is very...
2. Where the Wild Things Are In Sports Jack’s recent article for Press Enterprise blog http://blogs.pe.com/moms/2009/11/where-the-wild-things-are-in-s.html Post...
3. “Star Treatment” Jack’s Article for Press Enterprise – Southern Californiahttp://blogs.pe.com/moms/2009/10/be-careful-of-the-star-treatme.html Post...
4. Positive Parenting (Coaching) Tip of Day Image by Spree2010 via Flickr Sleep on It When...
5. Negative Gestures Hurt as Much as Negative Words – Sports Coaching Reprint from Jack’s Press Enterprise Blog – Southern California...

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Coaching Youth Sports

Success – The old saying “nothing succeeds like success” does make sense. Without positive results in sports, most kids will not want to continue, and that is understandable. Success is sometimes hard to define though and just as important is what I call “the feeling of success.” Often, success is judged by who won  and who had the best statitistics, but those should not be the only factors which determine success. In my mind, kids who give as close to 100% as possible are a success no matter what their results. However, this is only the case when parents and coaches recognize this and reward kids for their effort. Parents and coaches who are win at all cost or statistically oriented do not give kids this “feeling of success” and often a kids self-esteem suffers because of this. Positive parenting in sports suggests that parents judge kids on effort and not results and the good news is that often the results will follow for those that give maximum effort.

Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – S

Positive parenting posts:

1. Ways to Minimize Parental Pressure – Positive Parenting The following tips can help parents to minimize the pressure...
2. Parenting (Coaching) Tip of the Day Image via Wikipedia * “Everyone has the will to...
3. Positive Sports Tip of the Day Image by Beniamino Baj via Flickr Optimism In my...
4. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – Coaching Philosophy   Sports Coaching Philosophy Coaching Philosophy     It is important...
5. Positive Parenting (Coaching) Tip of the Day Image by Getty Images via Daylife Rewards for Winning...

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Sports Coaching Tips

Patience & Perspective
Now we are talking – there are numerous great concepts when it comes to the letter P pertaining to sports – perspective, pressure, parenting, practice, patience, poisitive, just to name a few.  Over the weeks I will speak of these. The two most important ones, patience and perspective go hand in hand. Every adult believes in and practices these two concepts when it comes to youth sports – except when their own child or team is involved. Suddenly, even the most rational and positive of parents get caught up in the moment and lose perspective and patience. Most parents have been there because when you care for someone so much it is easy to lose perspective and patience, usually with coaches or your son or daughter. A few of things to remember when it comes to patience and perspctive:
1. No one can make their child a star player, only the child themself can do that.
2. Performing sports skills correctly takes a lot of practice and talent (genetic make-up).
3. It is the child’s time to play – don’t relive your playing days through your kids.
4.  It is not always the child star who ends up playing into and beyond high school, it is the player who continues to improve and enjoys playing the game.
5. Sports are never as easy as they seem when watching on TV

   In my books Raising an Athlete and The Making of a Hitter I go into great detail on how to keep the games in perspective and how to develop patience when working with your kids. Nowhere is patience more important than dealing with a difficult skill like baseball hitting.

Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – P

Positive parenting posts:

1. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports Coaching – Y Youth  – Things are getting tough down here at the...
2. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports Coaching – V Parenting Advice Variety,Victory,Voice,View - There is no one word...
3. Showing Understanding – Sports Coaching Following is Jack’s article he writes for the Press Enterprise...
4. “Star Treatment” Jack’s Article for Press Enterprise – Southern Californiahttp://blogs.pe.com/moms/2009/10/be-careful-of-the-star-treatme.html Post...
5. Positive Parenting in Sports – New Year’s Resolutions Following are a few new year’s resolutions for parents for...

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Sports Coaching Tips

Negativity – First word that comes to mind when I think of the letter N is negativity. Negativity unfortunately is way too common in sports coaching today. Coaches and parents who are negative are always looking at the downside of  players performances and make it a point to express the negative to their players. This is definitely the opposite technique that should be used compared to the recommended positive parenting in sports.  It may motivate players for a short period but in the long run negativity tends to wear players and teams down. This coaching technique should not be applied with non-professional athletes and coaches who do coach with negativity should try to understand the negative effects they are having on young athletes.  Coaches and parents who are negative should try to change their style of coaching and parenting and definitely should read books like mine Raising an Athlete – How to Instill Confidence, Build Skills and Inspire a Love of Sport. Kids who feel as though they can never satisfy mom or dad or coach usually lose their desire to keep playing sports.

Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – N

Positive parenting posts:

1. Showing Understanding – Sports Coaching Following is Jack’s article he writes for the Press Enterprise...
2. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – Burnout – Parenting Advice   Burnout – Another common word when talking about yout...
3. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – T   Trust - The obvious word that comes to the...
4. Positive Parenting (Coaching) Tip of Day Image by Getty Images via Daylife How to help...
5. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – Coaching Philosophy   Sports Coaching Philosophy Coaching Philosophy     It is important...

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Sports Coaching

Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – L

Positive parenting posts:

1. Love of Sport Image via Wikipedia I often encounter kids that play...
2. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – Burnout – Parenting Advice   Burnout – Another common word when talking about yout...
3. “Star Treatment” Jack’s Article for Press Enterprise – Southern Californiahttp://blogs.pe.com/moms/2009/10/be-careful-of-the-star-treatme.html Post...
4. Positive Parenting in Sports – New Year’s Resolutions Following are a few new year’s resolutions for parents for...
5. Positive Sports Tip of the Day “Sports  don’t build character, they reveal it,” is a famous...

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Coaching Youth Sports

Justify – Not a lot of words beginning with this letter. Of course, coaches and parents should always be judicious with their teams and kids when making decisions about athletics. But one of my favorite words is justify. Most kids stop playing sports not because they get burnt out but because they cannot justify working so hard when the results are not there. This is a justifiable reason for ending their relationship with a sport and one in which a player’s parents should understand even if the parents are disappointed that their child has decided to stop playing. Kids who end playing for this reason can be proud that they gave it their all and things just didn’t work out to continue playing.

Knowledge - Simply put, knowledge creates confidence and a lack of knowledge causes insecurity and a lack of confidence. I know this first hand – because my lack of knowledge of the fundamentals of baseball I often felt out of control when playing which lead to a loss of confidence and a scared feeling, even though I made it to the major leagues. Giving players the knowledge of how to play and how to do the mechanics of sport is the number one responsibility of a coach.  Coaches are teachers of sport and they should continue to learn about the sport they coach so they can continue to provide technical and strategic knowledge of the sport so kids can play with confidence and poise.

Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – J & K

Positive parenting posts:

1. Positive Parenting in Sports – When to Volunteer There are a number of considerations adults should take into...
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3. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – O Optimism – One of my favorite words and concepts that...
4. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – Burnout – Parenting Advice   Burnout – Another common word when talking about yout...
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Sports Coaching Book

Hope – This is one of my favorite concepts that is so important in youth sports. It is so important because it is something concrete that parents and coaches can give kids that can make all the difference. You see, another person cannot give a player confidence for that is something they must attain on their own.  But, hope is something that can be given to athletes. Remaining positive with athletes when they struggle and providing helpful fundamental knowledge at the appropriate time gives players hope that they can do better the next time. As long as a player has hope, they usually will want to keep playing and look forward to practice and playing games. Positive words of encouragement before and after games are of course helpful, but  the most helpful advice is generally some solid fundamental tip that will make the player realize that they can perform well if they do the fundamentals correctly. A player feels hopeful when it is their fundamentals that need improving as opposed to thinking that it is “in their head” as to the reason they are not playing well. Do not overwhelm players with instruction but give hope whenever possible with a little tip.

Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – H

Positive parenting posts:

1. Positive Sports Tip of the Day Image via Wikipedia The Power of Hope Confidence is...
2. 5 Keys to Success in Sports Following are parenting tips to help bring out the best...
3. Positive Parenting in Sports – New Year’s Resolutions Following are a few new year’s resolutions for parents for...
4. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – P Patience & Perspective Now we are talking – there are...
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Jack Perconte Sports Coaching Tips

Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – G

Positive parenting posts:

1. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – Q Quit - An obvious word when it comes to the...
2. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – N Negativity – First word that comes to mind when I...
3. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports Coaching – W Winning – The first word that comes to mind when...
4. Positive Sports Tip of the Day Image by Slaff via Flickr Keeping an Even Keel...
5. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – O Optimism – One of my favorite words and concepts that...

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Coaching Youth Sports Positively

Fundamentals
    If you have been following my writings over the last few years you know that this is the concept(s) I discuss the most frequently. To me, this word contains the two most important ideas pertaining to youth sports. Youth sports is albout developing fundamentals and having fun. The two go hand and hand. It is rare for a young athlete to want to work on the fundamentals of a sport without it being fun and it is rarely fun if a player doesn’t have some success at what they are playing, which is where improved or good fundamentals come in. That leads us to the key: it is vital that athletes come in touch with knowledgeable coaches who know how to make the game fun. This may be the athletes parent, but whoever it is, this person can determine how much the player is willing to work at their skills in that sport. One good coach can develop a player’s love for the game which generally leads to their desire to work hard to reach their potential.  Finding a coach who can make the game fun at practice and in games is the key to helping kids get the most out of their talent. Putting the fun in fundamentals is what I tried to dispaly in my first book The Making of a Hitter – A Proven & Practical Step-by- Step Baseball Guide - for baseball lovers. 

Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – F

Positive parenting posts:

1. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – P Patience & Perspective Now we are talking – there are...
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3. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – T   Trust - The obvious word that comes to the...
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Positive Sports Coaching

Attention – Getting the attention of players can be difiicult. Their attention span is often short and when they are around teammates and friends it tends to be even shorter. A couple of techniques I use to help this situation was to allow players time to warm up and socialize with their teammates before giving a talk on what you wanted to accomplish at the practice session, instead of trying to get them to listen immediately at the start of practice. Secondly, I would ask questions about what I was teaching. I was often amazed at which kids were paying attention and which ones were not. Often, the ones paying attention were not the players who were looking directly at you. That is why a short question and answer session was useful. If players know they may be called upon to answer a question, they had a tendency to pay more attention.

 Believability – Parents and coaches must have some experience with what they are teaching youth if they expect players to listen and try what they suggest. If parents don’t know the “why” and have previous “experience” of doing something a certain way, then kids will have a hard time wanting to do it their way. When parents do not have that expertise they should research it (read books, watch video, ask other coaches) or have an experienced coach work with their child. Otherwise, kids will tune the parent out or tell them to be quiet when they play and practice, especially when a kid reaches a higher level of ball, or just an older age. Reaffirming in a positive manner at the appropriate time what the player’s coaches are teaching is good, though. Future posts will discuss things like “positive manner” and “appropriate time.”

Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – A & B

Positive parenting posts:

1. Are the Athletes Listening? Positive Coaching Image via Wikipedia      I work with baseball and...
2. Positive Parenting in Sports – New Year’s Resolutions Following are a few new year’s resolutions for parents for...
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5. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports Coaching – W Winning – The first word that comes to mind when...

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