B-log

Reflections on years as a sports dad and coach

• There’s a lot more pink in softball than baseball. This gets less so as the kids age.
• Children under the age of seven like to play in dirt, regardless of sex
• Boys will tackle each other to be the first to get to a ball. Girls are much more polite in their approach. This is also true in basketball.
• Coaches for boys think that what they’re doing today for 5-year olds could make or break whether or not they get to the big leagues. Coaches for girls think that what they’re doing for the 5 year-old girls will make or break whether or not the girls will have fun that day.
• Both groups really need a lot of work on fielding grounders, dribbling the ball, and listening to the coach.
• Dads of either group tend to be more insecure about their child’s performance than do moms.
• Parents of either group can be the most un-fun part of the sport.
• Kids accomplish much more with encouragement than by humiliation or dread.

1. Love defending the basket with all your heart.
2. Do not let the opponent do what he wants to get to the basket.
3. Do not let anyone’s advance to the basket go uncontested.
4. Do not let anyone go baseline, where there is no help.
5. Do not stand up, relax, or rest on your heels.
6. Do not forget to talk to your teammates.
7. Help teammates when they are beaten.
8. Do not let opponent to cut in front of you to the basket. Force him to go behind you.
9. Do not forget to box out and rebound.
10. Never quit.