Coaching Fitness by Being Fit
What is the most important thing you can do to encourage good fitness in your players? a. have them run? b. have them do calisthenics? c. give them a home program for non-practice days? d. be fit yourself As an exercise physiologist, I certainly believe running, strength and home programs are important to help kids […]
Young Athlete Says the Key to a Good Coach is…”He doesn’t yell.”
I met a lacrosse player yesterday who was aching to be released from physical therapy and get back on the field. This is his senior year in high school and college coaches have shown an interest in him. I ask him how he likes his coach. “He’s okay,” the kid says, but his frown tells me otherwise. […]
Dear USA Women’s National Soccer Team
What an amazing run! What an amazing final! What a heart-breaker! To a society that lives to compete, I say, “What competitors!” To a culture that prints t-shirts that say, “2nd place is the first loser,” I say, “No Way!” I loved watching and following it all. Hearing your heart, your team solidarity, your belief […]
The Parent-Coach-Kid triangle
“As a parent, it’s your job to see the very best in your child,” a coach once told our team parents. “It’s my job to see them as they are and to help them be better.” He was right. None of us is objective about our own child. But a good coach can be. I […]
The Beautiful Game, Beautifully Played
How many of us have watched in amazement and disgust this week as Elizabeth Lambert of the University of New Mexico women’s soccer team assaulted players from Brigham Young University’s team? First, pulling a player down by her ponytail, then administering karate chops to the face of a player on a “tackle” and more. After […]
Abby Wambach’s Dangerous Play
Aw Abby! Abby Wambach won’t be with her team, the Washington Freedom, for their next game. She is serving a one-game suspension for a tackle she made on star opponent, Daniela, at the Freedom’s game Sunday night. As the result of Abby’s tackle, Daniela suffered knee ligament damage and a cracked tibia. Her season is […]