Strategy To Prevent Burnout

For parents that have had their sons and daughters in the batting cages all winter, making sure that their off-spring keeps up with the Joneses, here's something different. My 9 year old just completed his basketball season last week. He picked up a baseball a few days ago for the first time since last Spring.

My strategy is a little different from most parents. I've been doing this coaching thing for a long time. My dad, the legendary Doc Fowlkes, gave me the most loving compliment that I've ever received just a few years before he died. He told me that I was the best youth league baseball coach he had ever seen. He said that over the years, he could see that I truly cared about each and every child I ever coached.

People that know me can now understand why I want to carry on my family's tradition. My dad was an outstanding youth baseball coach!

Here's an example of my "different" strategy. After going over the basics of pitching fundamentals with my boy, I was surprised how quickly he picked it up. I, in turn, surprised him when I gave him this advice.

"The batter don't matter!" At this age, all I want you to do is play catch with the catcher. Results are not an issue. You're learning how to pitch for the first time. If you give up four home runs in a row, your daddy will be in the dugout clapping because I will know that you are throwing strikes.

Don't get upset if you hit someone! You're going to make mistakes. It's part of the game. If you want to be a baseball pitcher, just practice all the time to be the best you can be. Make it a goal this year to pitch a whole game without walking anybody. That would make your daddy smile!

Since the other day, he has been practicing on his mechanics every chance he gets. It's been fun to watch. He is so excited about baseball season, he is beside himself. This is the same kid that has been doing piano lessons for over two years. He knows what it takes to get better.

For what it's worth, this has always been my strategy to prevent burnout. Let your child be a kid! I come from a "baseball" family, but I had a blast coaching my son's 3rd grade basketball team this year. He also got excited about wanting to play football after the Atlanta Super Bowl experience.

I hate seeing kids get burned out at an early age. Moms, Dads, never put pressure on your children at this early age! It's just a game.