Dear Parents, Let's Talk About Expectations....

Introduction: Why You're Here

You’re here because you love your child and want the best for them. You want to see them shine on the basketball court, mastering skills, making those thrilling three-point shots, and dribbling with ease. And, like me, you’ve probably experienced that gut-wrenching pang when things don’t go as planned, when your child isn’t making the rapid progress you hoped for.

The Unique Journey of Each Child

Believe me, I’ve been there. I’ve felt that rush of frustration, that helplessness, and the fear that maybe our kids just aren’t cut out for this. But through my journey as a coach, I’ve learned something invaluable: it’s okay. It’s okay if they’re not the fastest or the strongest. It’s okay if they’re not making as many baskets as we’d like. And here’s why.

The Importance of Individual Growth

Every child’s journey in sports is unique. Their pace of learning and their progress won’t be the same as their peers, and that’s perfectly alright. As parents, and as coaches, we should be looking at their individual growth rather than comparing them to others. Remember, they’re kids first, athletes second.

Changing the Coaching Script

I know the traditional coaching mentality encourages the idea of pushing harder and faster. That’s the world I came from. But I realized it was causing more harm than good, leading to mental and physical burnout, taking the joy out of the game, and transforming it into a chore. I knew we had to change the script.

Nurturing Love for the Game

In this new narrative, our primary goal should be to nurture their love for the game. If they’re excited about practice, if they’re enjoying the game, they’re more likely to put the time in to improve. So let’s celebrate every small victory, every dribble they master, and every shot they make. These are the moments that will keep their passion for basketball alive.

Addressing Potential Skepticism

You might worry that this approach is too lenient, that it won’t help them in the long run. But remember, we’re not just fostering skills for the court; we’re nurturing skills for life. Patience, delaying gratification, resilience, teamwork, respect – these are the true trophies they earn.

The Role of Parents in This Journey

I understand the anxiety and pressure you might be feeling, and I’m here to tell you it’s okay to take a deep breath and take a step back. Let’s not measure their worth by their sports performance. Let’s create an environment where it’s okay to fail, where every missed shot is a lesson learned, and every mistake is a step towards growth.

Call to Action: Let's Redefine Youth Basketball Together

Your role is pivotal in this new narrative. Let’s together change the direction of youth basketball, making it less about competition and more about growth and joy. I urge you to take this step with me, for our children, for their love of the game, and most importantly, for their happiness.