"CoachBit" # 2 - BIG TEAM, Little Me : By Coach Dave

Kids (and Parents), Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone!

This past week and weekend, I was honored to be the entertainment for several school field days and children's birthday parties. When it came time to make the teams to play the games, an all too familiar chorus began to be heard. It went something like this - "Coach, we are a package", "Coach I have to be with_________", "Coach can we trade_________ and get_____________?" Now its been my policy to randomly pick teams, for several reasons, so I know I am going to get push back from the kids. That's OK, but what I try to convey to them is that being a part of a team means that you have to accept and support EVERY member of your team. Not knowing someone on your team or group is not reason to get discouraged. In fact, it presents a new opportunity to make a new friend, someone who could actually turn out to be their strongest supporter. I even recall an instance at a field day when a player not given much support, encouragement or praise at all, came up with the game winning throw to knock the ball off the target. Suddenly, he was the Hero!

My point is, when you sign up your child for sports programs, camps, and leagues, please give them the opportunity to develop new friendships. Give them the opportunity to develop their communication and social interaction skills by having to meet and play with others that are not their best friends or in their everyday social network. They may be hesitant at first, because they are out of their comfort zone, but kids have an amazing way of finding positive qualities in others. Its seems to make sense requesting our kids be placed with neighbors and friends, but if you think about it are we really giving them the tools they need to recognize and maximize their role as part of a TEAM. As one of my most revered coaches taught my high school football team..."BIG Team, Little Me."