While this is a podcast episode, I’ve provided the written form below in case you’d prefer to read. Thanks again for supporting Elbow Up Youth Baseball!I’ve also changed it up a little moving into 2021. This episode is only 6 minutes long! Less time per episode allows me to publish more content and cover more topics. It’s also easier for you to listen to the whole episode during your commute or quick break. Give it a few weeks and let me know if you like it!It's Monday, February 22, and Spring baseball season is all but here. Major League pitchers and catchers reported to Spring Training last week, high school's can now officially practice in many parts of the country, and youth teams are ready to begin.
While we all want to be successful - whatever that means - there's something important I want to remind you of.
Every youth player, parent, coach, and team is different. There is no one size fits all.
Skill level is different. Talent level is different. Success has a different meaning for each of you. And that's okay! That's what I want you to remember as this season gets underway.
I try to talk about topics at Elbow Up that most of you can relate to, or that have the best chance of helping the majority of my audience. That being said, there will always be some of you that can't relate to what I say….Or maybe my advice won't help in your specific circumstance....and that's okay too!
Just as each of you listening is different, we must remember the kids we are coaching are different as well. And we should keep that in mind when teaching, coaching, and mentoring them.
Some come from affluent two-parent families where baseball is just another fun activity. Others come from families where they get no support or encouragement from their home, and the baseball field may be their only chance at getting that, or seeing success.
Think about this - as a coach or parent on a team - you may be the only encouragement that kid may get for the entire week. Don't miss the opportunity to tailor your approach to make the most positive impact on that kid's life.
As usual, I like to relate everything to sports. I use this approach at work with my employees. Every person's circumstances are different. Every person has a different background and set of life experiences that shape their outlook, and I have found the most success in approaching them all differently.
This doesn't mean we have different standards across our teams. We should maintain high standards for all of our players, parents, and coaches...It's just important to remember that how we influence and approach each of them must be different in order to maximize the experience and outcome!
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For parents - Don't get caught up in comparing your child to others. Sure, it's important to have a realistic view of where your child may stand, but that should not be what drives or motivates you as a parent.
Compare your kid to themselves! Compare your child this year to your child last year. How have they improved over time? How did they improve just since last practice? It's dangerous to expect the same outcome from every player on your team, and it's certain to end in disappointment.
For coaches - We should take the same approach. Not just for our own kid, but for every player! Kids react differently and we need to remember that. Some kids won't even notice
If you enjoyed today's episode, please rate the podcast and leave a comment. I would appreciate it more than you know.
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