Ask The Coach Guidance for those lost in sports

Dear Coach: My nine-year-old son is an excellent soccer goalie,
but he has developed a big head and doesn't take practice
seriously. How can I help him stay focused?
GOAL ORIENTED

Dear Goal: As every Big Man on Campus finds out, a Bigger Man is
always just around the corner. Your son may only need an
introduction to that top gun. Find an experienced older
goalkeeper in your town--maybe the high school varsity goalie, or
someone who plays on a local semipro team--and arrange for your
son to work out with one of them. Your boy will be thrilled to
get the attention of a big-time player and will be motivated to
work harder. Have the older player talk to your son about the
dedication it took to reach his level. Hearing firsthand about
the work needed to stay on top should open your boy's eyes a bit.

Dear Coach: I'm a successful high school football coach, but I
worry I'm putting too much pressure on my players to win. Are
there telltale signs I should watch for?
STRESSING OUT

Dear Stressing: "Usual signs of stress are absenteeism,
dissatisfaction and unusual behavior," says Jack Hutslar,
founder of the North American Youth Sport Institute. "You may
see the defense get nasty with the offense, or you might detect
racial animosity. This is misplaced aggression: Players dare not
attack you, so they attack each other." Be sensitive to kids who
are team leaders and speak for the rest of the squad--show
you've listened by addressing their concerns. "That gives
players real ownership in a team," Hutslar says.

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