I’m not sure if a post of this nature is appropriate. If not please know that it was purely a rookie mistake with no ill will intended. However, the effect on my 12/u DD was so profound that I feel somehow compelled to share.
She came from an environment where the coach chiefly offered anger, frustration, and negative criticisms. I remember thinking that there seemed to almost be a dark cloud that hung over practice.
After joining the Hot Shots mid-season, certain of her behaviors began to stand out. It’s funny how as parents we may not notice certain behaviors if that behavior is shared by the other players as well.
In any event, if a play didn’t go as she would have hoped, her shoulders would drop, she would look down at the ground, and then slowly and sheepishly look up at the coach, expecting some negative comment or demeaning body language (such as looking down with hands in shaking head). However, that no longer happened at the Hot Shots. Instead the coach would tell her to reboot, take a deep breath, refocus and make the next play. After 6 weeks with the Hot Shots, when a play didn’t go as she would have wanted, her shoulders no longer dropped. One could see her physically take a deep breath, reassess the defensive situation, and focus on the next pitch.
And that’s by far not the most important thing…She is quickly blossoming as a player. She always gives her 110%, not to avoid snide criticisms, but because she feels inspired to give her best. She insisted I buy her a resistance band so she could train her shoulders hard between seasons as to increase the velocity of her throws between short and 1st. She keeps a training journal, and I work out with her now three times a week.
She has found her smile on the field again and has rediscovered her passion for the game. More importantly, she again believes in herself and what she can accomplish.
For that, I am deeply and profoundly grateful.