Sports Parents: Why Your Kid Needs Great Coaching

By Lisa Cohn and Dr. Patrick Cohn

Youth coaches have a big responsibility and opportunity, says Dr. John McCarthy, director of Boston University's Institute for Athletic Coach Education.

"They can enhance the growth and development of youth," he says. But they can’t do that if they only focus on winning.

In our society, youth coaches are often judged by their win-loss record, McCarthy says. But—especially in youth sports—that's not the best way to evaluate a coach. For example, caochesFor example, coaches might be very good at communicating or helping your child learn valuable life skills through sports. These are important traits in a coach.

Sometimes a high win ratio reflects a coach's ego—not his or her interest in ensuring kids have a positive sports experience, he says.

To ensure your young athlete has the best possible sports experience,

let go of the idea that good coaches need to have the top record, he suggests. Instead, ask yourself these questions:

*Is the sports experience fun for my child? Is my child engaged and learning new skills?

*Is the coach well-organized? Are practices organized in a manner that keeps kids moving? Or is the coach easily distracted?

*Are practices and games appropriate to your child's skill level? "Fun means challenging at the appropriate level," says McCarthy.

*Does your child take responsibility for his or her own learning? If not, what could your coach do differently?

* Does the coach engage in positive ways with the kids and help them feel successful?

*Does the coach use sports as a springboard to help the athletes learn life skills such as teamwork, confidence, and focusing under pressure?

That’s not all you can do to ensure your child receives good coaching.

Before you sign up your child for a team, interview the coach about his or her philosophy. Watch him or her conduct a few practices to see if you’re comfortable with his or her style. Once you’ve signed your child up for a team, if you feel confident your child has a great coach , leave the coaching to him or her!

BUT THAT'S NOT ALL!

http://youthsportspsychology.com/ultimate_sports_parent_workbook.php

You'll also learn:

>What to say to kids on game day
>How to communicate with your young athlete
>Why few of failure undermines your athlete's confidence
>Why confidence is critical to benefiting from sports….
>And other great tips!

Award winning parenting writer Lisa Cohn and Youth Sports Psychology expert Dr. Patrick Cohn are co-founders of The Ultimate Sports Parent. Pick up their free e-book, “Ten Tips to Improve Confidence and Success in Young Athletes” by visiting http://www.youthsportspsychology.com