As I watched my son dribble the basketball nervously at the free throw line during his game, I felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. At just 12 years old, he has only been playing for one year, having come to organized sports later than most of his peers. The learning curve has been steep, and I could tell he was feeling the pressure of the moment.
As he bounced the ball, I held my breath, knowing that being in the spotlight was not his favorite place. He had previously confided that he often avoids plays that could result in fouls simply to dodge the stress of shooting in front of an audience. From the sidelines, I heard his coach encouraging him: “You’ve got this! Focus; we’ve practiced this!” Although he missed the shot, my son turned to the coach with a smile and a thumbs up before returning to the game.
Reflecting back to a year ago, he was in tears on the way to tryouts, terrified that the other kids would overwhelm him or make him feel embarrassed due to his lack of experience. A friend’s husband, who is involved in our league, made a point to greet him with friendly jokes and introduced him to some teammates to ease his nerves. Once on the team, his coach recognized my son’s shyness and dedicated countless hours to building his confidence. He patiently taught him the fundamentals, correcting his stance and running extra drills long after practice was officially over.
This coach, who balances a demanding job as a firefighter and family commitments, volunteered his time without any compensation. Let me emphasize: he wasn’t paid a single cent for his dedication. Yet, he continued to show up week after week because he believed in the potential of my son and his teammates.
A year ago, my son wouldn’t have even approached the foul line, but thanks to his coach’s unwavering support, he not only made it there but also scored with his second attempt. This memory often comes to mind when I receive emails about practice schedules that are less than convenient. It’s a reminder that coaches have lives outside of sports too, and they’re not being paid to teach our kids. So, let’s stop complaining and ensure our kids make it to practice on time.
Avoid being that parent who yells at the coach from the sidelines. It’s not just disrespectful; it makes you look foolish. If you think you can do better, why not step up and volunteer to coach next season? Coaches instill teamwork in their players, meaning your child must learn to adapt to their style, not just yours. It’s okay for them to discover different ways to make a shot.
I have to remind myself of this sometimes—I’m guilty of not offering my time to help out during games or with logistics. I’ve voiced my frustration over inconvenient practice times, but it’s essential to recognize that coaches are doing their best with limited resources and no pay (because, remember, they are here voluntarily).
My son’s growth over the past year is evident, thanks to coaches who provide honest feedback about areas where he can improve. When I see him practicing at home because his coach pointed out that his shooting form needs work, I resist the urge to jump in with my advice on how he should shoot.
Always remember that your child’s coach is giving their time to ensure your kid enjoys the benefits of organized sports. Consider bringing a snack for the team or offering to help with logistics. At the very least, acknowledge the hard work they put in. Coaching is often a thankless job, and they deserve to hear that they’re doing a fantastic job.
Coaches play a crucial role in teaching our kids the importance of teamwork, facing challenges, and developing their skills. They experience the highs of victory and the lows of defeat, just like the players do. So, when your child wins, it’s the coach celebrating right alongside them, knowing the effort they’ve all put in.
If you take away one thing from this, make sure to thank the coach the next time you pick your child up from practice. It sets a great example for your kids about respecting those who guide them. That’s how we all win in the end.
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In summary, be supportive and respectful of your child’s coach, recognizing their invaluable contributions to your child’s growth in sports and life.