Saturday, April 23, 2011
Hard Work
Some practices the kids are so into it. Other times, not so much. I will tell you though, when they are ready to go, they are ready to go. We only practiced once this week, but they worked hard. Running hard, passing, but most of all listening and following directions. We did some new drills, with lots of cones for them to move through, and they came through like champs. Hopefully they can keep this up, as we move towards doping some more team oriented practices.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Decisions, Decisions
I find that one of the hardest things to do when coaching is trying to decide when to cancel practices because of weather. I look at the hourly weather reports all day to see if the rain will hold out or stop long enough to squeeze in a practice. I know with older kids, you can practice in the rain, but with Pre-K - 1st graders, I feel like they are just too young to be out there in the rain. Especially when it has been so cold.
This past week has been rough. It has been cold, and raining almost every day. I waver on if I should cancel, and when. I don't want to cancel too early, but I want to give the parents enough notice before hand. I canceled 2 out of our last 3 practices. The first was the right decision, as it started to down pour the entire we would have been on the field. The second was questionable, as it stopped raining. But the field was really wet, and as I said it was cold! With our first game coming up I was torn between getting in the extra practice time, and making sure these kids don't get sick. Oh well, better to be safe then sorry. Let's hope the watrm dry weather finally arrives and stays starting today.
This past week has been rough. It has been cold, and raining almost every day. I waver on if I should cancel, and when. I don't want to cancel too early, but I want to give the parents enough notice before hand. I canceled 2 out of our last 3 practices. The first was the right decision, as it started to down pour the entire we would have been on the field. The second was questionable, as it stopped raining. But the field was really wet, and as I said it was cold! With our first game coming up I was torn between getting in the extra practice time, and making sure these kids don't get sick. Oh well, better to be safe then sorry. Let's hope the watrm dry weather finally arrives and stays starting today.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Sometimes I'm Amazed
You go through weeks of practice, and sometimes you're unsure if these kids, being so young and little, are really picking anything up. Then they just amaze you. With our first game only a week away, we scrimmage with the other team form our organization. 22 kids, aged 4 to 6, with only about 5 having any experience playing lacrosse. We had to set up on an unlined field, using cones and imaginary lines. These kids were amazing. Following directions, and playing hard for the whole scrimmage. If they put in this kind of effort every week, it is going to be one great, fun season. I can't wait. It just goes to show, that if you, as a coach, keep them interested and working on the basics at practice, they will pick this stuff up, and amaze you.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Keep'em Moving
Right now I am coaching pre-k thru 1st grade boys lacrosse. I have found with kids this young iot is extremely important to keep things moving as much as possible during practices. The same could be said for older kids as well. If they are stuck waiting in line or doing the same drill for too long, they will lose interest quickly. Once they start losing interest, trouble isn't too far behind.
I find the best way to keep things interesting is to break up the team into smaller groups. Figure out ahead of time what skills you want to work on for the day, and have each group doing a different drill. Have them rotate about every 15 minutes. Running practice as if you are doing circuit training keeps them interested because they are doing something new every few minutes. They also focus on each drill more because they are not doing it for too long, and they know it.
I find the best way to keep things interesting is to break up the team into smaller groups. Figure out ahead of time what skills you want to work on for the day, and have each group doing a different drill. Have them rotate about every 15 minutes. Running practice as if you are doing circuit training keeps them interested because they are doing something new every few minutes. They also focus on each drill more because they are not doing it for too long, and they know it.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Welcome!
Hello, and welcome to Coaching 4 Kids. This being the first post, I guess I should give you a little info about myself and the thoughts behind starting this blog. I have been a coach in a variety of sports for the past 15 years. I have been coaching children from age 3 to 15. I feel like I have done it all when it comes to being a youth sports coach. Ice hockey, football, lacrosse, Pre-K kids through HS Varsity. I have enjoyed almost every minute of it.
I decide to start this blog to share my experiences, and give insight to others that are coaching kids. Whether you're a parent that decided to volunteer, or someone who does not have a child participating, and want to stay connected to a sport you love. I hope you find this blog informative and entertaining. Feel free to comment and share you experiences as well. I will try to update on a daily basis so come back often.
I decide to start this blog to share my experiences, and give insight to others that are coaching kids. Whether you're a parent that decided to volunteer, or someone who does not have a child participating, and want to stay connected to a sport you love. I hope you find this blog informative and entertaining. Feel free to comment and share you experiences as well. I will try to update on a daily basis so come back often.
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