Fun and Positive: Is This So Hard to Understand?
Isn't this what I've been saying from Day 1? Why does this seem like such a tough concept for "grown ups" to understand? So much so that it was a big part of the foreword of a book.
The main ideas?
- Children are NOT mini-adults (do not treat them as such)
- Fun and enjoyment are the MAIN reasons children participate in sports in the first place (either that or their parents are forcing them)
- Children's early experiences in the sport have a MASSIVE influence over their participation decisions later
When coaching 6U, 8U, 10U, probably even as far as 12U - Winning is NOT the ultimate goal! Let's teach the game, help the kids improve their skills while fostering/nurturing a love for the game. Do NOT overlook these aspects in favor of the WIN!
Players are NOT going to continue playing this game for the next 8, 10, 12 years if it's not fun. PERIOD! You've probably heard me say this before: the 2 times in my career when I seriously thought about quitting this game...the BIGGEST (actually the ONLY) reason was because I wasn't having fun. Why they heck should I "waste" my time with something I'm not enjoying. In one scenario I was part of a very good team. Winning and "success" were just about guaranteed and still I seriously though about giving it all up. Why? Because I wasn't enjoying it any more. Most kids feel the same way.
Why didn't I quit in those situations? Because I made the conscious choice to have fun no matter what. I was not going to let anyone take away this game that I enjoyed so much. It was something I loved to do and was good at and I decided I was going to have fun despite negativity in my surroundings.
But I wasn't making that decision at 8, 10, or 12. I had been given that fun and enjoyable foundation to fall back on when I was faced with this decision at an older age.
This is a game! Yes, it's fun to win. I'm not denying that. Yes, each time I go out on the field, I'm going out there to do my best and come out on top, but "the win" is not THE driving force behind why I'm at the field on a regular basis. I'm there because I love it, because even after being in this sport since the age of 9, it's still FUN for me. I still enjoy it.
Especially at the younger ages, I believe it's our job, as coaches, to give these players the most positively memorable experience possible. Not that it should all be fun and games, not that there should be no discipline or that striving for excellence should be thrown out the window...Just remember that kids are more likely to want to play softball if they enjoy it. They are more likely to continue playing for years and years IF the are having fun. I'm not the only one who feels this way. Here's an article that talks about this very issue. Read it HERE.
Labels: coaching softball, fastpitch softball, youth softball, youth sports
posted by Stacie | 6:51 PM
6 Comments:
Totally agree, Stacie. It's a shame that so-called adults get so caught up with winning at the young ages. I just posted something similar at Life in the Fastpitch Lane, although it refers to a specific situation. http://fastpitchlane.softballsuccess.com/2009/03/06/the-jerk-factor.aspx
I think adults who do this are far more concerned about their own egos and how they look than about teaching the game to the kids or making sure they develop a love for it.
There is plenty of time to be serious in the world. That's what adulthood is for. Let kids be kids. They don't call it "playing" softball for nothing.
Winning is for professional, finance-oriented sporting associations. These parents should be told that they will donate $25 to their favorite charity every time their team wins. Then they will have a reason to be so passionate about winning.
Very well said. That's why I am here, coaching. I had so much fun playing softball in college. I learned so much..Things that are essential outside the playing field. I want to teach and share what this sport has done to me
You could not have said it better. It should be about FUN. If it is not fun (and that is to both the coaches and the parents), you can bet the player will stop playing the first chance she gets. There is a difference between discipline and acting like a buffoon. Unfortunately, some people cannot tell this apart. Bottom line: Teach the game so that the players are proficient technically but are having fun foremost.
-- Dan
You are absolutely right. Coaches should have their players improve skills, learn the game and make the whole thing fun. It's not that hard to do, really.
Here's something that girls will love, and a great way to show encouragement: Jessica Mendoza and Jennie Finch at Great Friends Greetings (http://www.greatfriendsgreetings.com). Wonderful as a gift or special award.
It's tough for some coaches to find a balance between helping the girls be successful and pushing them too hard. we try to keep it as fun as possible for the girls while still giving them the tools they need to succeed.
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