As I watched my son, Jake, dribble the basketball nervously at the free throw line during his game, I felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. At 12 years old, he had only recently taken up basketball, and the learning curve had been steep. He was a bit shy, often avoiding moments that put him in the spotlight, and I knew how much pressure he felt being the center of attention.
From the sidelines, I heard his coach encouraging him, “You can do this! Just focus on what we practiced!” Even though Jake missed the shot, he turned to his coach with a smile and gave a thumbs up before returning to the game.
Reflecting on how far Jake had come, I remembered a year ago when he cried on the way to tryouts, fearful that he would be overwhelmed by the other kids. Thankfully, a friendly face from the league helped calm his nerves and introduced him to some teammates. Once he was assigned to a team, his coach recognized Jake’s timidity and dedicated time to build his confidence, often staying late to run drills and help him improve.
This coach, who had a full-time job and a family, volunteered countless hours for no compensation. His commitment was rooted in a genuine belief in Jake and his teammates’ potential. A year ago, Jake wouldn’t have even approached the foul line, but with support and encouragement, he not only made it there but also scored on his second shot.
Whenever I receive emails about practice schedules that are inconvenient, I remind myself that coaches have busy lives too. They’re not getting paid to teach our kids, so it’s essential to show appreciation and understanding. Instead of complaining, we should ensure our kids arrive on time for practices.
Also, as tempting as it might be, avoid yelling at the coach from the sidelines. It doesn’t help anyone and only reflects poorly on you. If you feel you could do a better job, consider volunteering to coach next season! Coaches instill teamwork in our children, and sometimes that means allowing kids to learn different strategies and techniques.
I have to check myself, too; I sometimes forget to offer my time, whether it’s helping with equipment or keeping score. It’s easy to get frustrated, but I remind myself that coaches are doing their best with limited resources – often for free.
Thanks to their honest feedback, Jake’s confidence has soared. When he practices in our driveway after being told he needs to improve his layup, I step back and let him figure it out. Remember, your child’s coach is volunteering their time to provide the invaluable experience of organized sports. Consider bringing snacks for the team or simply thanking them for their hard work. They deserve recognition for their dedication.
Coaches play a crucial role in teaching kids not just athletic skills, but also important life lessons about teamwork and perseverance. They share in the highs and lows of each game, celebrating victories and supporting kids through losses. When you pick your child up from practice, a simple “thank you” goes a long way.
By respecting your child’s coach, you’re helping to guide your kids in the right direction, teaching them the importance of appreciation and respect. In the end, everyone benefits.
For more insights on parenting and resources related to home insemination, check out this blog post, and for further information, visit Kindbody.
Summary
This piece emphasizes the importance of appreciating your child’s coach, who dedicates their time and effort to teach kids essential skills both in sports and life. It highlights the journey of a young athlete gaining confidence through coaching while reminding parents to show respect and gratitude towards coaches.
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