Parents and coaches often tell kids to go out there and prove yourself or to prove to the coach that you should be playing more, etc… These statements can be used as good motivators from time to time but often they set players up for greater disappointment when they do not have good games. It is always better to tell kids to go out there with the idea of “improving,” instead of trying to prove something.

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Positive Parenting (Coaching) Tip of the Day

Positive parenting posts:

1. Positive Parenting (Coaching) Tip of Day Image by Spree2010 via Flickr Sleep on It When...
2. Positive Parenting (Coaching) Tip of the Day Image by Getty Images via Daylife Rewards for Winning...
3. 5 Keys to Success in Sports Following are parenting tips to help bring out the best...
4. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports Coaching – Y Youth  – Things are getting tough down here at the...
5. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – N Negativity – First word that comes to mind when I...

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Image by mag3737 via Flickr

I remember reading this saying somewhere and have never forgotten it, “Scoreboard begins with letter S, but so does Sportsmanship.” The point is that who wins and loses is somewhat important but the feelings associated with them goes away quickly. The feeling one gets when applying good sportsmanship is a way of life and never goes away.

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 – O Optimism – One of my favorite words and concepts that...
2. Positive Parenting (Coaching) Tip of the Day Image by Getty Images via @daylife Parenting Perspective Talking...
3. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – N Negativity – First word that comes to mind when I...
4. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – S Success – The old saying “nothing succeeds like success” does...
5. Parenting Practice for Sports Parents Image by bowbrick via Flickr Good article at http://www.zikkir.com/index/109247 -...

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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...
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How to help a youth sports coach?
Maybe the biggest complaint in youth sports is, “The coach stinks.” Maybe the complaint has merit, maybe not. If parents believe that is the truth, they should do something about it. After all, what is more important? Having your child go through a miserable season or doing something to help the situation. Talking to the coach probably will not make the situation better. So, a self serving suggestion I know, but, what about buying a book like “Raising an Athlete: How to Instill Confidence, Build Skills and Inspire a Love of Sport” and give it to the coach. If you feel uncomfortable giving it to the coach, do it anonymously. A book like this will help any youth sports coach to learn to treat kids better and inspire the coach to learn the particular sport better too.

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 – N Negativity – First word that comes to mind when I...
2. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – Burnout – Parenting Advice   Burnout – Another common word when talking about yout...
3. Showing Understanding – Sports Coaching Following is Jack’s article he writes for the Press Enterprise...
4. Positive Parenting in Sports – When to Volunteer There are a number of considerations adults should take into...
5. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports Coaching – Y Youth  – Things are getting tough down here at the...

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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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Remember, it is OK, in my opinion, to miss your kids games occasionally
Somewhere, over the years, the opinion has been created that one is a bad parent if when they don’t attend their child’s games. Feeling this way may put too much emphasis on the child’s sports career to the point where the sport becomes “everything” to every one. This doesn’t mean parents should not show interest in their games with post-game questions but it is not necessary to be at every game.

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. Ways to Minimize Parental Pressure – Positive Parenting The following tips can help parents to minimize the pressure...
3. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports Coaching – U Understanding - ”I understand that just because a skill is easy...
4. Love of Sport Image via Wikipedia I often encounter kids that play...
5. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – Burnout – Parenting Advice   Burnout – Another common word when talking about yout...

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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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Encouraging athletes to work hard and expressing how much you (parents) appreciate it when they do work hard is important. Not every athlete can be successful but letting kids know that they are winners because of their high degree of effort is what’s important. Reminding athletes that they can not always control the outcome but they can control their amount of effort and preparation is the key. What athletes usually figure out is that the increased effort usually helps determine success and as we all know positive outcomes make playing more fun.

Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

Positive Parenting (Coaching) Tip of the Day

Positive parenting posts:

1. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – S Success – The old saying “nothing succeeds like success” does...
2. Sports Parenting Tips – Developing a Good Work Ethic Image by charissa1066 via Flickr     I have received...
3. Ways to Minimize Parental Pressure – Positive Parenting The following tips can help parents to minimize the pressure...
4. 5 Keys to Success in Sports Following are parenting tips to help bring out the best...
5. Positive Sports Tip Of the Day Image via Wikipedia Expect Success Recently, I wrote that...

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Having taught youth for a great number of years, I have encountered a great number of skill levels in kids. A few of my students have gone on to play major league baseball and many were cut from their team. No matter their skill level, there is one sentiment that I try to leave with them – “I believe in you and I will be pulling for you.” That is one of the most important things that adults, and mainly parents, should say to their kids when they go out to play sports. Is it giving false optimism? No, because that doesn’t change my wanting to let them know that, win or lose, you are on their side. When they don’t play well – it is easy to follow up with, “Hey, it wasn’t your day” or “I know you will get them the next time” or ”Hang in there, you did your best.” This intimates to them that you still believe in them even if they failed.  Their self esteem is still enhanced even when they get cut from the team.  

Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

I Believe in You & I Will Be Pulling for You – Positive Coaching

Positive parenting posts:

1. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – O Optimism – One of my favorite words and concepts that...
2. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports Coaching – U Understanding - ”I understand that just because a skill is easy...
3. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – P Patience & Perspective Now we are talking – there are...
4. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – Coaching Philosophy   Sports Coaching Philosophy Coaching Philosophy     It is important...
5. ABC”s of Positive Parenting in Sports Coaching – Z ZEAL – Finally made it to the end of the...

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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.
There is a reason children of professional and Olympic athletes follow in their parents footsteps. Kids of pro athletes grow up around the fields and locker rooms of theit sports playing parents. The point is that it is the personal experiences of being there that develops a love for the sport. It didn’t come from the kids watching the sport on TV or from playing the video game of the sport.

     You never know for sure when a kid develops a love for something but it can be sparked by a very simple event. I believe I can trace my son’s  love of baseball to age 3, when he hopped in a battting cage at my sports academy and was able to hit the ball from the pitching machine.
     Parents that want their kids to develop a love for a particular sport should attend games of that sport with their child from a young age. Seeing and feeling the electric and fun atmosphere of physically being at the games as often as possible may create the spark that develops the love of sport in the child. Of course, this does not have to be a professional game, but even a high school, college or sibling game of the sport. You never know when the spark will develop in your child and it cannot be forced on them later in life.

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Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

Love of Sport

Positive parenting posts:

1. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – L Love of the Game – Love is the first...
2. Creating Enthusiasm in Athletes Image by Getty Images via Daylife A great way...
3. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – P Patience & Perspective Now we are talking – there are...
4. Positive Parenting in Sports – New Year’s Resolutions Following are a few new year’s resolutions for parents for...
5. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – N Negativity – First word that comes to mind when I...

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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 than my way. It doesn’t seem to matter that I played major league baseball or that I have been teaching the game for over 20 years, this “know it all” player believes one of three things: 1. He is performing the skill correctly even if I see he isn’t 2. His way is better and how dare I try to tell him otherwise or 3. Simply, I don’t know what I am talking about.
    What can a coach do in this situation? What I have done is detach emotionally – what this means is that I have found it does not help to yell, plead or try to convince this player otherwise but that doesn’t mean that I stop teaching. In my matter of fact voice I continue to teach what I know is correct in a very unemotional manner. This tells the player that I haven’t given up on him, which would be the normal inclination, but also that I am not investing all my energy in someone that wants to think they “know it all.”
    Sometimes, I am amazed that over time, this player begins to come around and begins to listen and try some of my suggestions.

Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

Positive Coaching – Check Ego in at the Door

Positive parenting posts:

1. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports Coaching – V Parenting Advice Variety,Victory,Voice,View - There is no one word...
2. I Believe in You & I Will Be Pulling for You – Positive Coaching Image by Development Works Photos via Flickr Having taught...
3. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – T   Trust - The obvious word that comes to the...
4. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports Coaching – W Winning – The first word that comes to mind when...
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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 competitions for kids. I just finished up a baseball camp – after the first day of camp or at the start of practice the next day, kids would ask me if we could do a certain competition that we had done before. Coach can we do the “such and such” drill? That is a good feeling for a coach when athletes become enthused about doing certain drills or having competetive contests. Coaches should always have a watch or stopwatch available so they can turn any drill into a competition – for example, most throws completed in one minute or most free throws made in two minutes are examples.
    Coaches should teach correct fundamentals and then make things more exciting for kids by adding contests and competitions – athletes love to compete.

Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

Making Sports Fun by Jack Perconte

Positive parenting posts:

1. 5 Keys to Success in Sports Following are parenting tips to help bring out the best...
2. Positive Sports Tip of the Day Image by rbatina via Flickr Knowing When to Shift...
3. Positive Parenting in Sports – New Year’s Resolutions Following are a few new year’s resolutions for parents for...
4. Positive Sports Tip of the Day Image by chemisti via Flickr 4 Things to Try...
5. Positive Parenting Podcast with Jack Perconte Had a great time talking sports with Joe Magennis –...

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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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Positive Parenting Lessons at Holiday Time

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 – R Resiliency – Another one of my favorite words with regards...
3. Ways to Minimize Parental Pressure – Positive Parenting The following tips can help parents to minimize the pressure...
4. Positive Parenting in Sports – When to Volunteer There are a number of considerations adults should take into...
5. Positive Parenting (Coaching) Tip of the Day Image by ArkansasSportsPhotography.com via Flickr Many parents don’t realize...

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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

Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

Positive Parenting Podcast with Jack Perconte

Positive parenting posts:

1. Holiday Gift Ideas from Jack Perconte Many parts of our nation will be experiencing some cold...
2. Game Changer for Parents Image via Wikipedia     I read about a...
3. Training for Fun – Great Blog for Moms Image by Axel Bührmann via Flickr I have been...
4. Negative Gestures Hurt as Much as Negative Words – Sports Coaching Reprint from Jack’s Press Enterprise Blog – Southern California...
5. 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...

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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.
3. Use good training aids when affordable and available. For example, using and stressing the use of a batting tee to hitters of every age can make all the difference.
4. Learn as many quality drills as possible and perform them correctly, especially drills that address the player’s biggest faults. When a drill is good it will force a player to do a skill more efficiently.
5. Use practice time like a golfer uses the driving range – before games for getting loose and for developing grooved actions and after games for making adjustments.

Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

5 Keys to Success in Sports

Positive parenting posts:

1. Making Sports Fun by Jack Perconte Image via Wikipedia Parents often become concerned because their...
2. Positive Sports Tip of the Day Image by rbatina via Flickr Knowing When to Shift...
3. One Word Never to Use with Young Athletes – Keys to Successful Parenting Image by thejesse via Flickr Previously, I had written...
4. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports – S Success – The old saying “nothing succeeds like success” does...
5. Positive Parenting (Coaching) Tip of the Day Image by ArkansasSportsPhotography.com via Flickr Many parents don’t realize...

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A little info on my hilariously funny friend Jimmy Scott:
I don’t want to publicly state that I’m one of the best right-handed pitchers of all-time.  I’ll just think that.  Instead, I’ll state in a public forum that my 330 wins, 4000+ strikeouts, 2 no-hitters and 3 championship rings put me in elite company.  The top of my resume says A Great One.  I think that’s a proper heading, don’t you? Read more at http://www.jimmyscottshighandtight.com/

Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

A Must Read – So Funny – Sports Coaching

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 – O Optimism – One of my favorite words and concepts that...
3. 5 Keys to Success in Sports Following are parenting tips to help bring out the best...
4. ABC’s of Positive Parenting in Sports Coaching – U Understanding - ”I understand that just because a skill is easy...
5. My Favorite Positive Parenting Word? Image via Wikipedia by Former Major Leaguer Jack Perconte...

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Reprint from Jack’s Press Enterprise Blog – Southern California Newpaper
http://blogs.pe.com/moms/2009/09/not-so-harmless.html

Post from: Positive Parenting in Sports - Raising an Athlete

Negative Gestures Hurt as Much as Negative Words – Sports Coaching

Positive parenting posts:

1. It’s All About “Perspective” – Parenting Advice From Jack’s blog at the Press Enterprise – Southern California...
2. Excuses,Excuses – Parenting Advice Jack’s recent article for the Press Enterprise Blog – Southern...
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. 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...

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