I coach many kids who participate in our basketball camps. When I look into their eyes, I see excitement and a spirit that makes my heart melt!
Typically, I’ll intimately work with a kid for 2+ years. At which point, the kid wants to go out in to the wild (becomes member of AAU, middle, junior varsity or varsity team)! This is great!
All things being on the up-and-up, your kid will steadily grow, and meet the challenge of playing on a team with flying colors. Many campers go on with great success.
But watch out!
Let’s face it; many coaches are NOT professional. They’re coaching out of LOVE, not COMPETENCE! When their team doesn’t have natural talent, and success is hard to come by, their interaction with team may turn negative. I’ve seen coaches RIP kids apart and kill their confidence and spirit!
PROTECT YOUR KID AGAINST THIS AT ALL COSTS!!!
To do so, properly vet the coach and/or have frank conversations with him/her to determine their approach, philosophy and values. If all is good, awesome! If not, make contingent plans.
Just know, you’ll never have this problem me! The very nature of my existence is to build and elevate a kid’s confidence, on and off the court.
