The Right Team

Every year parents and players have to make choices. Choices about which program to join; coaches to seek out; even which sports to play. There are so many sports, clubs and school groups there is no way to do them all.

The competition for participants and specialization have forced organizers to get commitments sooner and sooner in the annual cycle. In some cases kids are forced to make a year round commitments that impact, if not eliminate, other activities.

Over the years, we have been faced with this challenge with our own kids. We’ve even commiserated with friends about the pros and cons of each choice. Usually we distill the hours of pondering, prognostication and prediction down to a choice between “competitive” option versus a “developmental” option.

“Competitive” options seem to imply a program focused on winning as many games as possible and no guarantee of equal playing time. They schedule game after game and have relatively few practices (if any). The translation, simply making the team proves you are talented.

“Developmental” options seem to imply a program that enforces equality of playing time, regardless of talent. They schedule fewer games and work with kids on skill development in practices. The implication is that everyone will make the team and talented players won’t be pushed enough to develop further.

When parents find themselves debating between one of the two choices, is usually a false dilemma. In reality neither option is a good fit. You are trying to identify which values, competition or development,  you are willing to compromise. Although many choose the competitive route because of the prestige implied in the talent level.

The ideal scenario that includes both the right level of competition and player development may be extremely rare. So, how can you as a coach transcend the dichotomy and become an all-star coach?

If coaches keep parents focused on the things that really matter in youth sports, you will be the right coach and right team. They will know you and your team is the best youth sports experience for them if you show you are committed to the following three things:

1. Instruction

The right team needs to include instruction. Youth players need guidance on proper technique. They need to build the proper mechanics, speed, strength and coordination to make sure they don’t injury themselves or create other issues due to repetitive stress. They need a solid understanding and good feel for the motor skills and strength conditioning required in every sport they play.

Similarly they need to understand the strategies of the sport. This typically means preset offensive and defensive plays that require team work and following directions. Some programs appear successful by encouraging free wheeling ‘ad lib’ play because they have naturally gifted athletes. However, one of the best lessons of youth sports is working together with peers to achieve great things together. You can be sure high school coaches, college coaches and employers will be looking for strong adults that can work with others. Good instruction in youth sports will prepare kids for sports and the rest of their life.

2. Experience

The right team needs to provide new experiences. Everyone needs time to ‘just play’. Just like in school, listening to lectures and reading books can fill your head with all sorts of knowledge and inspiration, but practice and experience applying that knowledge is really what makes it valuable. My favorite reminder about the goal of every practice and game is to create “more touches” for everyone. Every practice should be focused on getting everyone experience, not about listening to long lectures or directions on the latest drill, offense or scouting report.

Coaches are not there to talk, they are there to teach and improve skills. Kids can’t get better without opportunities to develop new skills, practice them and apply them in games. Every practice and game needs to keep as many kids involved as possible. Both practices and games are equally important especially for developing kids. Regardless practice or game remember, touches, touches, touches!

3. Fun

The right team needs to be fun for every player. Remind parents that no one is going to be damaged, hurt or die if players make mistakes or lose games. These are games, not surgical procedures or military operations. If coaches really want to build strong kids, they have to keep it fun. Fun mean they want to  keep playing, getting better and making great memories.

Coaches and parents get kids involved in youth sports to keep them active but also we realize, as adults, it is the best way to learn how to be an adult, while having fun. Sometimes, as adults, our focus on work and effort mask the real purpose and benefit of sports at any age: leisure, recreation and FUN!

Summary

The challenge in youth sports today is to keep focused on the most important lessons they need to learn. The value is not in the destination, but in the journey. Youth sports experience will provide the mini lessons they will apply the rest of their lives, but only if coaches and parents keep their focus on the right things: Instruction, Experience and Fun.

PlayMyKid.com is focused on making sure that coaches and parents work together to provide the best experience for all kids. We want you you share your thoughts about the most important qualities in the right team and consider joining our community to share ideas, strategies and experiences to keep youth sports one of the most valuable interpersonal development experience for kids. Please leave a comment and join our mailing list to learn more about our community and get a free guide to parent meetings.