I’m Back!

My last post was way back in February of 2018. Then I said I was taking a break to write a book – The Hustle & Attitude Guide to Coaching Youth Sports. So, is the book done? Well, no. As of the last time I sat down to write (this January), I have 12 pages – or four short chapters written. Not a lot for over 2 years absence from blogging.

Why am I back? I’m back because I have had additional experiences in youth recreational sports coaching that reminded me I have something of value to say to coaches, parents, and league administrators.

• I have been blessed to be a part of my niece’s youth sports experiences since we moved to Arizona. I have assisted her flag football and baseball coaches with practices and games.
• I have started a relationship with the Goodyear Parks and Recreation Department offering clinics to the coaches of their sports. Although I never coached volleyball, I believe we had a very successful clinic back in February.

I’ve noticed that, even well-intentioned, youth recreational sports coaches do not measure a successful season the way Hustle & Attitude coaches do: i.e. the kids have fun and learn to play the game. The key measure of success being that the athlete decides to play again the next season. They don’t see that equal playing time and at multiple positions – key tenets of the Hustle & Attitude philosophy – contribute to a successful season much more than measuring the number of wins and losses.

So, I’m back and with a new focus. My previous posts broadened to cover all things youth sports. Although deciding whether your son should play tackle football is very topical and at least tangentially related to youth sports coaching, it doesn’t really speak to a prospective or current coach in terms of advice or best practices.

My new focus will be on youth recreational sports coaching. My goal from here on is to write and share writing about topics, ideas, and opinions that are of interest to people who volunteer, recruit, train, support, or are otherwise interested in youth recreational sports coaching.

If this is of interest to you, I hope you follow the blog (and bring some friends!). Who knows, after a number of these posts, I might have enough content to put together and finish that book!