Leadership and Other “Intangibles”

PLAYER

   Coaches evaluate players both on their observable traits (athleticism, sports skills, body type) and less-obvious ones. This latter category includes several of the qualities discussed elsewhere on this blog (attitude, willingness to learn and prepare, and attention to detail).

Even less apparent are those special qualities that only a few players on a team typically possess—the ability to perform at a high level in pressure situations (a “clutch” player), a “never give up” mind-set (a player with “heart”), and the over-arching quality of leadership. Players who demonstrate these qualities not only contribute to their team’s success by their own play, but also by the way in which they affect their teammate’s play. Their character inspires others to reach higher and, in turn, give their best effort.

Let's take a closer look at leadership and related character qualities.

Leadership by Example

Leadership comes in various forms and is earned—by your play, the quality of your character, or more often by both. You can lead simply by the example you set.

If you play at a high level, and within the framework of team play, you will gain the respect of your teammate. You don’t need to give “rah-rah” speeches. Your teammates will naturally look to you to lead them in difficult circumstances. And when you do talk, others will listen.

Coaches Love Confident Players

Self-confidence is always present in players who lead by example. They believe in themselves and their abilities. Coaches love players who are confident—but only if the confidence is well-placed.

Several years ago, while I was coaching a team in a middle school basketball game, the official called a technical foul on our opponent. As I was pointing to one of my better ninth graders to take the shots, another boy, only in seventh grade, came over to me and said, “Coach, if you let me shoot, I’ll make both of them.” He was a good young player, but I was more impressed with his confidence and bold prediction. I decided to let him take the technical free throws. He went to the line and calmly sank the first shot, and then the second. But what happened next was even better. He walked by me, gave me a big smile, and without saying a word returned to the court. I was impressed with this boy’s quiet self-confidence. How could any coach not be?

Going Beyond "I"

Leadership is also a byproduct of a noble character. If despite a lack of outstanding ability, you give your best effort, are willing to sacrifice your individual accomplishments when necessary for the team’s benefit, and otherwise demonstrate admirable character traits such as courage and honesty, your teammates will follow your lead.

TIP: Although you may not possess charisma or the ability to lead by athletic example, you can still show leadership in smaller ways. How do you react when your team is struggling? Do you go “quietly into the night” or do you challenge yourself and your teammates to be better? (“We’re better than this—let’s go!”)

Obviously, coaches would prefer all of their players to have outstanding talent, confidence, character, and the ability to lead others when needed. But the reality is that most players are flawed. Team roles need to be filled. You may find, despite your lack of outstanding athleticism, that your abilities are sufficient to play an important role on your team. And in doing so, you may also find that you possess leadership skills that are highly valued by your coach.

Copyright © 2013 Jeffrey S. Rhoads. All Rights Reserved

If you enjoyed this article, you may like my book:
The Joy of Youth Sports: Creating the best youth sports experience for your child (Amazon $8.95)

(Kindle Edition $2.99)

Read more...

Sports Equipment and Lessons for Your Child

PARENT

   Whether it’s simply a ball, athletic shoes, or an entire set of protective gear, each sport has its own requirements. As the parent of a young child starting out in sports, you may wonder how much (and when) you should invest in equipment. Providing individual or group lessons for your child is another decision you may face.


Here are some guidelines to help you:

Low and High Cost Sports

Some organized youth sports such as soccer, basketball, and flag football require little in the way of equipment expense. A good pair of shoes and ball will enable any child to play, practice, and explore their passion for the sport. Likewise, baseball and softball only require a glove and ball.(Someone else probably has a bat that everyone can use.) These team sports are usually well supported within a community and your child should have easy access to developmental leagues and skill clinics.

Other team sports such as hockey, lacrosse and tackle football usually require a larger investment in equipment. Likewise, “club” sports teams may require that you pay substantial participation fees. In some cases, though, the cost is defrayed (often through fundraisers) by the youth sport organization itself.

Individual sports such as golf, tennis, and skiing not only have an equipment expense but may also require that you invest in lessons for your child. Access to free instruction in these sports is usually more limited than youth team sports. While introductory lessons may not cost much, year-around lessons for a child who shows the potential to become an elite athlete can run into the thousands of dollars.

Gauging Your Child's Interest

If you are strapped for money and unsure whether it makes sense to buy certain equipment or invest in lessons, pay close attention to your child’s behavior. Look for signs that he or she has a natural interest or fascination for a sport.

If you see your child playing with other kids, practicing on their own, making up fantasy game situations, and using everyday objects as a ball, bat or other piece of sports equipment, it’s likely that your child has a serious interest in the sport. Consider buying the crucial piece of equipment (e.g., hockey skates, lacrosse stick) that will enable your child to further explore the sport. Good used equipment is often available from parents whose kids outgrow or upgrade their equipment (i.e., network with other parents).

Choosing the Right Equipment

Obtaining the right equipment and instruction sometimes determines whether your child likes a sport or instead feels inadequate. Worn out basketball shoes, dull hockey skates that provide no ankle support, a tennis racquet that is too heavy, are examples of equipment that may hurt a child’s ability to compete and enjoy the respective sport.

The cost of equipment is not as important as the proper fit and match with your child’s size, strength, and ability. I’ve seen a good tennis player succeed with a ten dollar racquet that had a weight and grip size that fit the player. I’ve also seen boys and girls struggle on the basketball court because they are wearing the wrong type of athletic shoe (e.g., running shoe) or ones having worn out bottoms that can’t grip the wood floor.

Should You Invest in Personal Lessons?

As to lessons, your goal is to find an instructor who is first and foremost an excellent teacher. Playing a sport well does not mean that an individual can effectively communicate their knowledge to another person. Just as you should match the appropriate equipment to your child’s ability, find an instructor who teaches skills at the level needed by your child. If your child is a beginner, you want someone who understands and teaches the sport’s fundamental skills. As your child progresses, you may need to find an instructor who can better teach advanced skills. Finally, if you cannot afford ongoing lessons, consider an initial lesson or two from a good instructor to set your child on the correct path.

A friend of mine told me a story that touches on a parent’s decision to invest in equipment and lessons for their child. One of the local tennis clubs was offering a free instructional clinic for young children in an attempt to increase interest in the sport. The mother of a young boy named Todd decided that this would be a good opportunity to expose her son to the sport of tennis. Todd, who was very small for his age (and had difficulty competing in other sports), had never before played tennis. With a racquet provided by the club, the boy began to hit and did very well. After the session, the mother talked to the instructor and asked him what he thought about her boy’s potential. He said that he was honestly impressed with Todd’s initial level of play. The instructor recommended that the mother invest in a racquet and then watch how the boy responded. The mother bought a racquet and eventually decided to also invest in individual lessons. Todd’s skills developed over the years, his passion remained steadfast, and he enjoyed a successful high school career—one that culminated in a state singles championship.

Parents in all sports should follow a similar path. Expose your child to different sports whenever possible and provide basic, well fitted equipment. Observe the level of interest. If your son or daughter takes to the sport, consider purchasing additional equipment if necessary and investing in lessons where possible.

For more on selecting and buying equipment, check out Sports Gear: Sometimes it’s Worth the Extra Spend, Sometimes it’s Not.

Copyright © 2013 Jeffrey S. Rhoads. All Rights Reserved

If you enjoyed this article, you may like my book:
The Joy of Youth Sports: Creating the best youth sports experience for your child (Amazon $8.95)

(Kindle Edition $2.99)

Read more...

Let Your Players Teach You

COACH

   Most instructors quickly learn that the act of teaching inherently drives one toward a fuller understanding of the material taught. Teaching a skill to others forces one to break down the skill into its more fundamental parts. As a coach, you will find that you naturally gain a greater insight into the "what, when, where, why, and how" of each skill technique that you teach your players.

Why not use this same principle in reverse to help your players better understand the skills you want them to learn?

Instead of you instructing your players, have your players instruct you. Require them to vocalize the steps that they go through as they execute a skill.

An Example

My most common use of this teaching approach is when I instruct my basketball players how to shoot a free throw. I usually begin the instruction with a question that goes something like this:

COACH: Besides using good shooting form, what’s the most important rule to follow when shooting a free throw?

Invariably, the players yell out behaviors that are associated with the shot itself. I go along with this as I want the players to begin thinking about the skill components that are present in a typical free throw.

PLAYER 1: Aim for the rim!

PLAYER 2: Spread your feet shoulder width apart!

PLAYER 3: Put one foot ahead of the other!

PLAYER 4: Bounce the ball several times before your shoot it!

COACH: Anyone else?

PLAYER 5: Follow through after the shot!

COACH: Those are all important parts of the shot, but what’s the most important guiding rule? Anybody?

PLAYERS: (no response)

COACH: The most important rule is to “Do it the same way every time!”

I then go on to briefly discuss that each player, no matter their shot preparation and actual shooting form, must develop a free throw routine – one where they prepare and execute the shot the same way every time. This routine helps ensure a repeatable motion (muscle memory) that will not fail the player in pressure situations.

I then have each player step up to the foul line and walk me through their free throw shooting routine. I ask them to verbalize each portion of their shot—to teach me how they execute a free throw. Most mumble one or two comments. I usually will respond, “What’s that? I can’t hear you.” or “Yes, you put your feet up to the line, but do you have one foot in front of the other?” or “How many times do you bounce the ball before you shoot?” My goal is to have each player break down their shot and understand the fundamental elements of the shooting process.

As they progress through this exercise (and also watch others step to the line and describe their shot), they become more aware of good technique. By becoming the teacher for a few moments, they are gently forced to organize this information within their mind as they prepare to describe how they shoot a free throw.

Break Down a Key Skill in Your Sport

Like other instructional approaches discussed in this blog, adapt this technique to your sport. Pick a key skill and ask each of your players, in turn, to teach you how it is executed.

For example, in baseball, have your players describe each of the steps they go through when they are batting. They should describe their stance, position relative to the plate, their back elbow and shoulder position, and other steps related to the actual swing. When a less confident player struggles to explain his or her technique, ask leading questions such as, “How far away from the plate should you stand?”

Use this teaching technique at least once during your season. You will find that it’s a fun way to further engage your young players in the learning process.

Copyright © 2013 Jeffrey S. Rhoads. All Rights Reserved

If you enjoyed this article, you may like my book:
The Joy of Youth Sports: Creating the best youth sports experience for your child (Amazon $8.95)

(Kindle Edition $2.99)

Read more...

Why's That Player Yelling, "I'm Open, I'm Open!"

PLAYER

   In team sports, communicating with other players is a positive player trait. But nothing says that you’re a beginner more than when you regularly stand still, wave your hands, and scream to your teammates “I’m open! I’m open!”

Anyone who's watched younger kids play recreational soccer or basketball knows this is typical behavior at the earliest ages. These young beginners' attention is centered on the action around the ball. They want the ball because that’s where the fun is.

Unfortunately, older players sometimes fall into this same behavior pattern. They may not yell, wave their hands, or run to the ball as often—but they still focus too much of their attention on the ball. Often, these players just stand around waiting until someone passes them the ball.

If you're guilty of this behavior, what should you do instead of waiting for someone to pass you the ball?

Help a Teammate

Stop shouting and do something—MOVE! Go set a screen. Clear out space. Consider what you can do to help a teammate NOW. As discussed in Stuff Happens Away from the Ball, focus some of your attention on the potential action and opportunities away from the ball

When you do something without the ball to help a teammate score, you’re also more likely to get a pass from that person. And when others on your team begin to play with this unselfish attitude and style, the passing and scoring opportunities increase, everyone is involved, and the fun really begins. You find yourself part of a ballet of movement and interactions that can lead to perfect moments of anticipation, execution, and improvisation.

When You Should Stay in One Place

There are times when you will want to stay in position—most typically when you’re part of a specific offensive set or play, or playing a position within a team defense. You may also individually decide to maintain a position to create space between yourself and other players. In some cases, your team’s needs and your offensive talent may dictate that you look to score more often than your teammates. But unless you have a specific responsibility, move without the ball and create opportunities for your teammates.

Your Coach is Watching

Although you may get a few more scoring opportunities when you stand around and yell for the ball, your coach will notice this behavior—and possibly judge you less favorably. To the opposite, your coach will also notice the positive actions you take when you don't have the ball. He or she will appreciate the screens you set to free a teammate, the backdoor cut you make to get open, and moving to clear out space.

So if you want to look like you know what you’re doing, and help your team succeed, move without the ball and do the other little things that create opportunities for you and your teammates. Don't stand around yelling "I'm Open!"

Copyright © 2013 Jeffrey S. Rhoads. All Rights Reserved

If you enjoyed this article, you may like my book:
The Joy of Youth Sports: Creating the best youth sports experience for your child (Amazon $8.95)

(Kindle Edition $2.99)

Read more...

Is Your Child Playing on Too Many Teams?

PARENT

   Many young athletes enjoy playing different sports and often excel in more than one.

If you're the parent of one of these kids, it's likely that you can sign up your child to play in multiple youth leagues at the same time. With extended seasons in many sports, programs and leagues often overlap. Even within the same sport, different leagues run at the same time. For example, your child can play in a competitive league (AAU) or one geared more to fun and development (YMCA). Opportunity is everywhere—especially when your child is a talented young athlete.

As described elsewhere on this blog and in my book The Joy of Youth Sports, playing multiple sports is beneficial to your child’s development and health. Parents should encourage this behavior. But before you commit to more than one organized activity or team per season, also consider the potential negative effect on your child, your family, and the teams for which your child will play. Here are some points to consider:

Impact on Your Child and Family

Participating in too many activities can potentially burn out your child’s desire to play. High parent/coach expectations, competitive pressure, physical stress, and repetitive drills can sometimes turn a child's joy for playing to a feeling of apathy.

Too much time in organized sports can detract from other important individual and family activities. A child's academic success may suffer as may your family life (e.g. transportation, missed dinners, time away from other duties, etc.). And finally, too many organized activities can also consume other opportunities for your child to enjoy sports—specifically the self-directed neighborhood pickup games that offer essential benefits.

The Effect on Your Child's Teammates

Less obvious is the detrimental effect that the inevitable missed practices and games will have on your child’s teammates and coaches. These individuals may depend on your child’s presence for success. Not only do a player’s skills and talent contribute to the success of a team, but the player’s participation in practice also directly impacts the team’s play.

Good coaches grow their program throughout the year, building upon each prior practice and game. In practices, they both address mistakes in the prior game and teach new sets, plays, and other more advanced team tactics. They want to work with players to overcome their individual weaknesses. They seek to establish greater team chemistry and bonding. Without your child’s presence at practices, a coach cannot accomplish these tasks and achieve the program’s desired goals.

The Star Athlete

Any child who misses practices and games can hurt a team's prospects for success. But even more impactful is the absence of the team's "star" athlete. This child often play's a key role and is essential to the team's success. In equal-participation leagues, the child may have been assigned to a team in an effort to create equally competitive teams. When the team's best player is absent, this balance is lost. And it's no fun when one team can't compete because they lack a key player.

As the parent of an exceptional young athlete, you need to pay special attention to the potential impact of your child's participation on any of his or her teams. Although your child may want to play, sometimes you may need to limit participation.

Strike a Balance

Although you want to provide your child with the best opportunities, balance your personal interests against those of other parents, players and coaches. Two core values in sports, both at the individual and team level, are respect and responsibility. In team sports, players are responsible to their teammates and must respect their teammate’s needs as well as their own. As a parent, demonstrate and convey these values to your child by realistically committing your child only to teams on which he or she can fully participate.

Copyright © 2013 Jeffrey S. Rhoads. All Rights Reserved

If you enjoyed this article, you may like my book:
The Joy of Youth Sports: Creating the best youth sports experience for your child (Amazon $8.95)

(Kindle Edition $2.99)

Read more...

Gaining an Edge—The Eyes Have It

PLAYER

   It’s standard advice to anyone throwing or shooting a ball to “focus on the target.” Same goes for making a pass. But in sports where you’re defended, you often need to hide your intention. You need to make your opponent think one thing, while you do another.

You're Being Watched!

Good defenders anticipate what action their offensive counterpart is about to take. They do this by understanding the situation, options available, and the most likely choice. But they also anticipate by observing their opponent’s behavior. One of the main behavioral clues is where the offensive player is looking.

So how do you counteract your defender's attempts to anticipate your next move?

Don't Stare at Your Target

Lesser players tend to stare at their target. When passing a ball, for example, they look at their teammate well before they make the pass. Their intention is obvious. As players from past generations would say, “They telegraph their pass.”

So how do you make an accurate pass or throw without directly looking at your teammate?

Set Up the Scene

You usually do look at your target—but only for a split second immediately before the pass or throw. By using your peripheral vision (or taking a quick glance to the opposite side), you know where your teammates are located. You set up the scene in your mind’s eye. If your teammates are moving, you then anticipate where they will be when you make the pass or throw. This is the process an experienced player uses when he or she makes a “no-look” pass. (But again, in most instances, you should look at your target just before you act.)

Gain Advantage with Your Eyes

As you become a better player, use your eyes to deceive your opponents.

► The best NFL quarter­backs like Peyton Manning and Tom Brady are masters of “looking off” safeties on long passes.

“Look off” a defender prior to making a pass. Look first toward a teammate other than the one to whom you will make the pass. Similar to a physical fake (i.e. faking the actual pass), this deception is effective against defenders who depend on observation and anticipation.

Copyright © 2013 Jeffrey S. Rhoads. All Rights Reserved

If you enjoyed this article, you may like my book:
The Joy of Youth Sports: Creating the best youth sports experience for your child (Amazon $8.95)

(Kindle Edition $2.99)

Read more...