Youth Sports Practice Planning – Don’t Overreach

During my coaching clinics, I spend a good deal of time on practice planning.  Having effective practices – those that contribute to making the players better – doesn’t happen by accident.  It requires planning.  Coaches should have goals for their practices.  Initial practice sessions should focus on the fundamentals.  You never know when you willContinueContinue reading “Youth Sports Practice Planning – Don’t Overreach”

Working with Youth Sports Parents – It’s All About Expectation Management

One of the first things a youth recreational sports coach needs to do each season is make contact with the parents of the children on their team. In addition to easing parents’ anxiety, this is a great opportunity for the coach to set expectations for the season. Doing so can go a long way towardsContinueContinue reading “Working with Youth Sports Parents – It’s All About Expectation Management”

Preparing Little League Coaches – Drills AND Administrative Best Practices

Last evening, I participated in a coaching clinic hosted by the Little League organization in which my niece is playing (and I’m coaching). As a provider of coaching clinics myself, I bring a bit of skepticism and ego to attending someone else’s clinic. I wasn’t expecting to learn that much and had a decent sizedContinueContinue reading “Preparing Little League Coaches – Drills AND Administrative Best Practices”