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Post by somecoach on May 1, 2018 17:50:32 GMT -6
Every kid grows up wanting to play in the NFL.
Most kids are (innocently) delusional that they actually have a chance of making it.
Most kids are (innocently) delusional that they actually have a chance of playing college football (let alone going D1).
Many talented players go through the first 18 years of their life thinking "None of this matters because i'm making the NFL anyway"
But one day towards the end of Senior year it hits them... they will never play football for the rest of their life; and after 18 years of focusing on a delusional dream they will have to shift their focus on finding a non-pro sports playing job.
So my question is... should you "rip the band-aid off" earlier in your players highschool career (soph/freshman year)?
from my personal experience the day i figured out the reality of the situation; I cared more about practice/ the little things because I knew that my days were numbered. I also focused on school more knowing that I was going to have to pay the bills somehow...
I'm torn on the subject because:
A. After hearing the "news"; a kid will be more motivated by it (like me) and do better in practice/game knowing there is no tomorrow; as well as focusing on school in order to progress through life.
or....
B. a kid can totally shut down and not want to play football anymore
C. a kid will think i'm full of sh!t and leave the program to go play for someone that will lie to them about how great they are. (lol)
or.....
D. We all just go along with the delusion until Senior year when the recruitment letters never come and its time to adjust the kid to real life
-------------------
Ironically years ago we had a 5'8 1/2 linebacker/runningback who was hell bent on playing Division 1 college football; he spent a countless amount of time and money going the JUCO rout,and actually "pulled a Rudy" and made it on to a D1 roster... and recently was able to network his way to getting a (non-coaching) job for an NFL team.
On the other hand we have had countless similar players go through the 7 stages of grief due to their delusion; and graduate highschool with poor grades, and little motivation in life. Most of them will fix it in college, but some might not...
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Post by Deleted on May 1, 2018 18:05:33 GMT -6
Every kid grows up wanting to play in the NFL. Most kids are (innocently) delusional that they actually have a chance of making it. Most kids are (innocently) delusional that they actually have a chance of playing college football (let alone going D1). Many talented players go through the first 18 years of their life thinking "None of this matters because i'm making the NFL anyway" But one day towards the end of Senior year it hits them... they will never play football for the rest of their life; and after 18 years of focusing on a delusional dream they will have to shift their focus on finding a non-pro sports playing job. So my question is... should you "rip the band-aid off" earlier in your players highschool career (soph/freshman year)? from my personal experience the day i figured out the reality of the situation; I cared more about practice/ the little things because I knew that my days were numbered. I also focused on school more knowing that I was going to have to pay the bills somehow... I'm torn on the subject because: A. After hearing the "news"; a kid will be more motivated by it (like me) and do better in practice/game knowing there is no tomorrow; as well as focusing on school in order to progress through life. or.... B. a kid can totally shut down and not want to play football anymore C. a kid will think i'm full of sh!t and leave the program to go play for someone that will lie to them about how great they are. (lol) or..... D. We all just go along with the delusion until Senior year when the recruitment letters never come and its time to adjust the kid to real life ------------------- Ironically years ago we had a 5'8 1/2 linebacker/runningback who was hell bent on playing Division 1 college football; he spent a countless amount of time and money going the JUCO rout,and actually "pulled a Rudy" and made it on to a D1 roster... and recently was able to network his way to getting a (non-coaching) job for an NFL team. On the other hand we have had countless similar players go through the 7 stages of grief due to their delusion; and graduate highschool with poor grades, and little motivation in life. Most of them will fix it in college, but some might not... I don't know any who hasn't figured it out one way or another by there junior yr. The parent are a different story. But kids know where they are in the food chain. |
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Post by somecoach on May 1, 2018 18:12:17 GMT -6
The parent are a different story. But kids know where they are in the food chain. How could I forgot to mention them!!! and yes majority do figure that out by then... but what I am trying to figure out is what about the 2 years prior. would they have been better students/players if they figured it out before hand? |
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Post by Deleted on May 1, 2018 18:27:43 GMT -6
How could I forgot to mention them!!! and yes majority do figure that out by then... but what I am trying to figure out is what about the 2 years prior. would they have been better students/players if they figured it out before hand? no because they are still growing. But in 9th grade, they start to realize that who they are. The best 9th grader is probably playing varsity, they can't keep up with other kids, and other kids are marginal. Kids aren't stupid. Adults are, but not kids. |
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Post by CS on May 1, 2018 18:30:02 GMT -6
Every kid grows up wanting to play in the NFL. Most kids are (innocently) delusional that they actually have a chance of making it. Most kids are (innocently) delusional that they actually have a chance of playing college football (let alone going D1). Many talented players go through the first 18 years of their life thinking "None of this matters because i'm making the NFL anyway" But one day towards the end of Senior year it hits them... they will never play football for the rest of their life; and after 18 years of focusing on a delusional dream they will have to shift their focus on finding a non-pro sports playing job. So my question is... should you "rip the band-aid off" earlier in your players highschool career (soph/freshman year)? from my personal experience the day i figured out the reality of the situation; I cared more about practice/ the little things because I knew that my days were numbered. I also focused on school more knowing that I was going to have to pay the bills somehow... I'm torn on the subject because: A. After hearing the "news"; a kid will be more motivated by it (like me) and do better in practice/game knowing there is no tomorrow; as well as focusing on school in order to progress through life. or.... B. a kid can totally shut down and not want to play football anymore C. a kid will think i'm full of sh!t and leave the program to go play for someone that will lie to them about how great they are. (lol) or..... D. We all just go along with the delusion until Senior year when the recruitment letters never come and its time to adjust the kid to real life ------------------- Ironically years ago we had a 5'8 1/2 linebacker/runningback who was hell bent on playing Division 1 college football; he spent a countless amount of time and money going the JUCO rout,and actually "pulled a Rudy" and made it on to a D1 roster... and recently was able to network his way to getting a (non-coaching) job for an NFL team. On the other hand we have had countless similar players go through the 7 stages of grief due to their delusion; and graduate highschool with poor grades, and little motivation in life. Most of them will fix it in college, but some might not... I don't know any who hasn't figured it out one way or another by there junior yr. The parent are a different story. But kids know where they are in the food chain. I do. Maybe the majority get it but we just had a senior who may have played a few downs of football for us this year get one of those random letters from Delta State and truly thought he was going to get a scholly. That being said I would never crush somebodies dreams. |
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Post by Deleted on May 1, 2018 18:34:32 GMT -6
I don't know any who hasn't figured it out one way or another by there junior yr. The parent are a different story. But kids know where they are in the food chain. I do. Maybe the majority get it but we just had a senior who may have played a few downs of football for us this year get one of those random letters from Delta State and truly thought he was going to get a scholly. That being said I would never crush somebodies dreams. good coaches know. Kids in general as already know on some level. |
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Post by 19delta on May 1, 2018 18:57:34 GMT -6
I don't know any who hasn't figured it out one way or another by there junior yr. The parent are a different story. But kids know where they are in the food chain. I do. Maybe the majority get it but we just had a senior who may have played a few downs of football for us this year get one of those random letters from Delta State and truly thought he was going to get a scholly. That being said I would never crush somebodies dreams. Yeah. Agreed. Eventually the kids will figure it out themselves. |
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Post by funkfriss on May 1, 2018 19:03:55 GMT -6
Depends on the situation but most of the time I don’t have to. The college coaches do it for me and they realize it when they aren’t getting the texts and letters other players on the team are.
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Post by agap on May 1, 2018 20:23:15 GMT -6
I've never coached a player who thought they were going to the NFL, or at least admitted it or asked about it. I've coached very few who actually thought they were playing D1 or D2. I agree with others, the players figure it out themselves and you don't really have to say anything. For the ones that haven't and they think they are going to play at the next level, I tell them nobody has contacted me and if anyone is interested, they will get a hold of me first.
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Post by fantom on May 1, 2018 21:01:18 GMT -6
Every kid grows up wanting to play in the NFL. Most kids are (innocently) delusional that they actually have a chance of making it. Most kids are (innocently) delusional that they actually have a chance of playing college football (let alone going D1). Many talented players go through the first 18 years of their life thinking "None of this matters because i'm making the NFL anyway" But one day towards the end of Senior year it hits them... they will never play football for the rest of their life; and after 18 years of focusing on a delusional dream they will have to shift their focus on finding a non-pro sports playing job. So my question is... should you "rip the band-aid off" earlier in your players highschool career (soph/freshman year)? from my personal experience the day i figured out the reality of the situation; I cared more about practice/ the little things because I knew that my days were numbered. I also focused on school more knowing that I was going to have to pay the bills somehow... I'm torn on the subject because: A. After hearing the "news"; a kid will be more motivated by it (like me) and do better in practice/game knowing there is no tomorrow; as well as focusing on school in order to progress through life. or.... B. a kid can totally shut down and not want to play football anymore C. a kid will think i'm full of sh!t and leave the program to go play for someone that will lie to them about how great they are. (lol) or..... D. We all just go along with the delusion until Senior year when the recruitment letters never come and its time to adjust the kid to real life ------------------- Ironically years ago we had a 5'8 1/2 linebacker/runningback who was hell bent on playing Division 1 college football; he spent a countless amount of time and money going the JUCO rout,and actually "pulled a Rudy" and made it on to a D1 roster... and recently was able to network his way to getting a (non-coaching) job for an NFL team. On the other hand we have had countless similar players go through the 7 stages of grief due to their delusion; and graduate highschool with poor grades, and little motivation in life. Most of them will fix it in college, but some might not... I've seen too many freshmen and sophs who became late bloomers to make me crush any dreams. |
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Post by hunhdisciple on May 2, 2018 6:22:46 GMT -6
I'm all about having kids realize what level they can play on. But, most of the time, I don't have to crush any dreams. When junior or senior year rolls around, and they don't have interest of the local NAIA team, they stop dreaming about UGA or FSU.
The only times I have a real issue with dream crushing, is when it's a kid who has so invested himself in being an elite player, but it's not for himself, it's more because he desperately wants to provide for his family. The kid who wants to make it big, to help his mom and 3 siblings who share a bedroom and bathroom, that sucks when he realizes he's not going to be in the NFL. And it can be hard to get them to look the small school route, with the understanding that their life is much better with a college degree and good job, than not.
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Post by gators41 on May 2, 2018 7:01:17 GMT -6
Every kid grows up wanting to play in the NFL. Most kids are (innocently) delusional that they actually have a chance of making it. Most kids are (innocently) delusional that they actually have a chance of playing college football (let alone going D1). Many talented players go through the first 18 years of their life thinking "None of this matters because i'm making the NFL anyway" But one day towards the end of Senior year it hits them... they will never play football for the rest of their life; and after 18 years of focusing on a delusional dream they will have to shift their focus on finding a non-pro sports playing job. So my question is... should you "rip the band-aid off" earlier in your players highschool career (soph/freshman year)? from my personal experience the day i figured out the reality of the situation; I cared more about practice/ the little things because I knew that my days were numbered. I also focused on school more knowing that I was going to have to pay the bills somehow... I'm torn on the subject because: A. After hearing the "news"; a kid will be more motivated by it (like me) and do better in practice/game knowing there is no tomorrow; as well as focusing on school in order to progress through life. or.... B. a kid can totally shut down and not want to play football anymore C. a kid will think i'm full of sh!t and leave the program to go play for someone that will lie to them about how great they are. (lol) or..... D. We all just go along with the delusion until Senior year when the recruitment letters never come and its time to adjust the kid to real life ------------------- Ironically years ago we had a 5'8 1/2 linebacker/runningback who was hell bent on playing Division 1 college football; he spent a countless amount of time and money going the JUCO rout,and actually "pulled a Rudy" and made it on to a D1 roster... and recently was able to network his way to getting a (non-coaching) job for an NFL team. On the other hand we have had countless similar players go through the 7 stages of grief due to their delusion; and graduate highschool with poor grades, and little motivation in life. Most of them will fix it in college, but some might not... Its just not worth it. What can you gain? If a kid is reasonable enough to listen to you crush their dreams, then they would figure it out on their own. If they arent resonable, then they will leave the program because you dont "Believe" in them |
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Post by Deleted on May 2, 2018 7:01:38 GMT -6
I'm all about having kids realize what level they can play on. But, most of the time, I don't have to crush any dreams. When junior or senior year rolls around, and they don't have interest of the local NAIA team, they stop dreaming about UGA or FSU. The only times I have a real issue with dream crushing, is when it's a kid who has so invested himself in being an elite player, but it's not for himself, it's more because he desperately wants to provide for his family. The kid who wants to make it big, to help his mom and 3 siblings who share a bedroom and bathroom, that sucks when he realizes he's not going to be in the NFL. And it can be hard to get them to look the small school route, with the understanding that their life is much better with a college degree and good job, than not. To add, to get them look beyond the short term. Kids have no idea what is out there for them. To their defense they surrounded and raised by filth and muck of the earth. Education was and is not important. Then on top of that you have educators who treat them like they do not need an education. Now I am getting p-$$ed. |
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Post by silkyice on May 2, 2018 7:19:07 GMT -6
Guys, use it to your and his advantage.
Show them or explain it to them what d1 players do. How they work in the weight room, watch film, practice hard, be leaders, have to make the grades, stay out of trouble, etc.
I know there might be some ridiculous d1 5 stars that might not work (actually I doubt that), but every single d1 player I have had was one of my hardest workers and cared the most.
Turn the kid into that. Maybe he will be a late bloomer and actually develop into a college football player on some level. Say it doesn't work out. He still became the best he could be, helped your team, and probably become more realistic about his chances. And hopefully became a better person that can be counted on later in life.
Edit: I don't mean be dishonest by the way. Be truthful. I just mean use their desire to make them and the team better.
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Post by cwaltsmith on May 2, 2018 8:01:16 GMT -6
Pet peeve of mine right now.... Too many kids are about making the NFL or MBA or MLB or whatever. How about just enjoy the experience, be the best you can be at what you do and let the chips fall. I understand its financially driven, and there is no way to go back, but there is nothing wrong with being a good high school player contributing to your TEAM and building relationships that will support you and help you the rest of your life. Actually about 95% or more thats all they ever will be and thats ok... rant over lol
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Post by Deleted on May 2, 2018 8:06:53 GMT -6
Pet peeve of mine right now.... Too many kids are about making the NFL or MBA or MLB or whatever. How about just enjoy the experience, be the best you can be at what you do and let the chips fall. I understand its financially driven, and there is no way to go back, but there is nothing wrong with being a good high school player contributing to your TEAM and building relationships that will support you and help you the rest of your life. Actually about 95% or more thats all they ever will be and thats ok... rant over lol they can't see that far in front of them. If they could they would their education far more seriously. |
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Post by cwaltsmith on May 2, 2018 8:37:35 GMT -6
I have a high school freshman girl and a 5th grade boy at home. Do I want them to get a free education and then go on to make money playing the sports they love.... ABSOLUTELY!!!! Will they??? probably more than likely not. I guess my rant was at parents more than kids. Its been my experience as a coach, that kids get it way more than parents. Your kid doesnt have to start as a Freshman on the Varsity team. hey dont have to play point gaurd or bat 3rd. Relax enjoy your kids ride and let them enjoy it.. because it will be over quickly.
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Post by Deleted on May 2, 2018 8:50:21 GMT -6
I have a high school freshman girl and a 5th grade boy at home. Do I want them to get a free education and then go on to make money playing the sports they love.... ABSOLUTELY!!!! Will they??? probably more than likely not. I guess my rant was at parents more than kids. Its been my experience as a coach, that kids get it way more than parents. Your kid doesnt have to start as a Freshman on the Varsity team. hey dont have to play point gaurd or bat 3rd. Relax enjoy your kids ride and let them enjoy it.. because it will be over quickly. most parent have not done anything close in their parenting that gives their child a real chance to succeed when they enter hs |
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Post by gccwolverine on May 2, 2018 8:58:20 GMT -6
I have a high school freshman girl and a 5th grade boy at home. Do I want them to get a free education and then go on to make money playing the sports they love.... ABSOLUTELY!!!! Will they??? probably more than likely not. I guess my rant was at parents more than kids. Its been my experience as a coach, that kids get it way more than parents. Your kid doesnt have to start as a Freshman on the Varsity team. hey dont have to play point gaurd or bat 3rd. Relax enjoy your kids ride and let them enjoy it.. because it will be over quickly. most parent have not done anything close in their parenting that gives their child a real chance to succeed when they enter hs I think most parents actually do a pretty decent job when you take circumstance into account. It's just as always the squeaky wheel gets the grease and we only remember / spend a majority of our time on the or with the {censored} parents. |
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Post by rsmith627 on May 2, 2018 8:59:28 GMT -6
Every kid grows up wanting to play in the NFL. Most kids are (innocently) delusional that they actually have a chance of making it. Most kids are (innocently) delusional that they actually have a chance of playing college football (let alone going D1). Many talented players go through the first 18 years of their life thinking "None of this matters because i'm making the NFL anyway" But one day towards the end of Senior year it hits them... they will never play football for the rest of their life; and after 18 years of focusing on a delusional dream they will have to shift their focus on finding a non-pro sports playing job. So my question is... should you "rip the band-aid off" earlier in your players highschool career (soph/freshman year)? from my personal experience the day i figured out the reality of the situation; I cared more about practice/ the little things because I knew that my days were numbered. I also focused on school more knowing that I was going to have to pay the bills somehow... I'm torn on the subject because: A. After hearing the "news"; a kid will be more motivated by it (like me) and do better in practice/game knowing there is no tomorrow; as well as focusing on school in order to progress through life. or.... B. a kid can totally shut down and not want to play football anymore C. a kid will think i'm full of sh!t and leave the program to go play for someone that will lie to them about how great they are. (lol) or..... D. We all just go along with the delusion until Senior year when the recruitment letters never come and its time to adjust the kid to real life ------------------- Ironically years ago we had a 5'8 1/2 linebacker/runningback who was hell bent on playing Division 1 college football; he spent a countless amount of time and money going the JUCO rout,and actually "pulled a Rudy" and made it on to a D1 roster... and recently was able to network his way to getting a (non-coaching) job for an NFL team. On the other hand we have had countless similar players go through the 7 stages of grief due to their delusion; and graduate highschool with poor grades, and little motivation in life. Most of them will fix it in college, but some might not... I've seen too many freshmen and sophs who became late bloomers to make me crush any dreams. I agree with this, and I don't know if it's really our job or place to crush a kid's dream if they have delusions of playing. When I first started coaching it was as a 9th grade coach. We had a kid come in to our office asking us what he could do to get some more PT. He was a backup receiver. Coach looked him dead in the eyes and told him "there isn't anything you can do. Which player above you are you better than?" That really rubbed me the wrong way. I was a rook but knew I probably would have given him a list of things to improve. Obviously not promise him more PT, but work on making him a better player. I don't know, if a kid is a senior and not being recruited but thinks he should be, I guess we'd talk about it. As mentioned though, most figure it out. |
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Post by coachcb on May 2, 2018 9:00:10 GMT -6
We keep it pretty simple; we tell these kids that they can always walk on at a school if they aren't offered anything. We dare as "realistic" as we possible though. We'll recommend that they try to walk on at a small school if they want a shot at continuing past high school.
They eventually figure it out for themselves in the end. And, we have had a handful of kids that didn't get any looks from schools but ended up with a roster spot at smaller colleges after walking on. Most were weight room warriors who put in enough time to play scout team.
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Post by bigmoot on May 2, 2018 9:13:13 GMT -6
How about the ones who quit football because they want to concentrate of getting that baseball scholarship...lost 2 this week. they can't play dead in a cowboy movie (both hit below .250) but think FSU or the like is gonna come calling.
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Post by wingtol on May 2, 2018 9:46:37 GMT -6
Don't crush dreams, but educate your players about the process.
I speak ever year at our parents meeting about college football and give them the FACTS. This % of kids get a D1 scholarship that's this % of total kids playing football. Then I start by showing them the average size of some college teams and ask what school they think it is. Then tell them nope those are the averages of kids at the local D2 schools. Just to give them an idea of how good that level of football is. And keep going with stuff like that, only the facts ma'am!
Honesty and education are your best bets in these situations.
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Post by coachcb on May 2, 2018 9:51:01 GMT -6
Guys, use it to your and his advantage. Show them or explain it to them what d1 players do. How they work in the weight room, watch film, practice hard, be leaders, have to make the grades, stay out of trouble, etc. I know there might be some ridiculous d1 5 stars that might not work (actually I doubt that), but every single d1 player I have had was one of my hardest workers and cared the most. Turn the kid into that. Maybe he will be a late bloomer and actually develop into a college football player on some level. Say it doesn't work out. He still became the best he could be, helped your team, and probably become more realistic about his chances. And hopefully became a better person that can be counted on later in life. Edit: I don't mean be dishonest by the way. Be truthful. I just mean use their desire to make them and the team better. Agreed. We had a kid one year that went FCS and has since earned a roster spot on several NFL teams as a LB. The kid is an athlete but very few of us had him pegged as an NFL caliber player as he's a bit undersized for a LB. I left the program his junior year but I keep in touch with the coaching staff and they show the kids videos of his college and pro workouts before they start off-season weight training. The former player sends them new videos of his workouts and I've been told it really helped the team's weight room attendance numbers. And, the kids get a dose of realism when they see him hang-cleaning 400lbs+ for reps when he was a sophomore in college. |
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Post by tothehouse on May 2, 2018 9:55:37 GMT -6
I had a parent meeting regarding recruiting last week. Talked about different things. Told them that every kid in our program can play college football. From JC to D1. Showed them what they had to do to get there.
I also explained that "lower" level football is a big deal. And that playing college football is awesome!!! Including D3, etc.
I also got on ESPN and with my projector...I showed the the ESPN top 300 HS players for next year. Showed them the height, weight, etc. Then found footage of some of them in the weight room, etc. And told them..."currently...we don't have one of those guys". "Those guys are the D1 scholarship guys". And then went back to...it's okay if you're not them...your son can play a different level of college football.
I think you give the kid opportunities...let them shoot for the stars. If they don't make it...not your fault. Do as much as you can for the kid...in the end the college's decide. I can give a chit if a parent whines that it's the coach's fault for them not getting a scholarship. The numbers prove me right. It's hard to get one.
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Post by fshamrock on May 2, 2018 13:14:58 GMT -6
How about the ones who quit football because they want to concentrate of getting that baseball scholarship...lost 2 this week. they can't play dead in a cowboy movie (both hit below .250) but think FSU or the like is gonna come calling. need that time to "get in cages" coach! but it turns out they spend that time practicing their cuss words and smoking weed with their friends, and still suck at baseball |
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Post by 3rdandlong on May 2, 2018 13:24:13 GMT -6
I've seen too many freshmen and sophs who became late bloomers to make me crush any dreams. I agree with this, and I don't know if it's really our job or place to crush a kid's dream if they have delusions of playing. When I first started coaching it was as a 9th grade coach. We had a kid come in to our office asking us what he could do to get some more PT. He was a backup receiver. Coach looked him dead in the eyes and told him "there isn't anything you can do. Which player above you are you better than?" That really rubbed me the wrong way. I was a rook but knew I probably would have given him a list of things to improve. Obviously not promise him more PT, but work on making him a better player. I don't know, if a kid is a senior and not being recruited but thinks he should be, I guess we'd talk about it. As mentioned though, most figure it out. Legitamit question here. What are your responses when a kid asks a question like this immediately after practice. I get a lot of questions such as “what do I have to do to get better.” It’s often right after practice and often times a kid I’m not thinking about all that much. My usual response is: keep working and keep showing up to practice. I know it sounds weak but it’s better than saying what the above coach said. I witnessed a coach do that to someone when Inwas a young coach too and it pissed me off. |
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Post by Deleted on May 2, 2018 13:51:14 GMT -6
Ive had 5 go, 2 are doing well, of the 5 id say maybe 2 seemed like they would make it
The one that is doing the best of the 3 still playing had us wondering if hed make it
The kid developed a work ethic at U Of Arizona that left alot of scouts floored had a great rookie year
I dont think you can say who will and who wont, even the experts get it wrong ...Tom Brady was a 6th round pick
I beleive if you teach them that the sky is the limit they will shoot for it if you encourage them
Some wont make it, but some may , its never my job to squash that drive to be the best they can
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Post by seabass on May 2, 2018 14:20:03 GMT -6
The simple answer to the OP's question is....never....nothing to gain and plenty to lose.
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Post by rsmith627 on May 2, 2018 14:25:29 GMT -6
I agree with this, and I don't know if it's really our job or place to crush a kid's dream if they have delusions of playing. When I first started coaching it was as a 9th grade coach. We had a kid come in to our office asking us what he could do to get some more PT. He was a backup receiver. Coach looked him dead in the eyes and told him "there isn't anything you can do. Which player above you are you better than?" That really rubbed me the wrong way. I was a rook but knew I probably would have given him a list of things to improve. Obviously not promise him more PT, but work on making him a better player. I don't know, if a kid is a senior and not being recruited but thinks he should be, I guess we'd talk about it. As mentioned though, most figure it out. Legitamit question here. What are your responses when a kid asks a question like this immediately after practice. I get a lot of questions such as “what do I have to do to get better.” It’s often right after practice and often times a kid I’m not thinking about all that much. My usual response is: keep working and keep showing up to practice. I know it sounds weak but it’s better than saying what the above coach said. I witnessed a coach do that to someone when Inwas a young coach too and it pissed me off. I invite that kid to come watch film with me. If he doesn't have anything on film to look at because he's not a contributor I'll set up a time to talk. Right after practice and wanting a straight answer isn't the best time, hut I'll always take time to help a kid who WANTS to get better. |
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