How are Youth Coaches taking the Fun Out of Sports?
I believe that the number one culprit is a win at all costs mentality. Coaches who focus primarily on winning instead of development are not only robbing children of a wonderful experience, they are ignoring the specific requests of the players. Numerous studies have indicated several consistent reasons why kids choose to participate. As previously stated they want to have fun but they also state a desire to learn new skills and improve, to become fit and stay healthy, to enjoy the challenge and excitement of competition, and to enjoy a team environment with friends. The biggest mistake that a youth coach can make is to put winning first and overlook the real reasons kids choose to play sports. Many of the benefits of participating in youth sports are lost when the name of the game becomes winning. Kids are not little adults and they can t take the same pressures that most adults can. A focus on winning, referred to as an ego-orientation, creates pressure, tension and worry, and may pu
