Noblesville Daily Times

Youth sports are such a vital role in every community across this country.  I have coached the past several years and get plenty of feedback from my parents, as well as being an observer of the leagues and other coaches. It has been sad lately to watch the news and see the horrific events that have taken place. 

The key to successful coaching of children - whether by parents or professionals - is to tackle each phase of development differently, according to its context. We would all like our children to be Olympic champions, but the worst thing you can do is pressure your children with your own dream of glory and then blame them for not realizing it. At each stage in life, the developing boy and girl have their own reasons for getting involved in sport. It may be a desire for approval, or a wish to make a mark in his or her peer group. More likely, it comes from discovering an aptitude for the sport, which brings a modicum of success. Self-esteem feeds on achievement, and sport at club level is an excellent way of doling out spoonfuls of achievement on a regular basis.

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