Pros Speak: Advice to help kids succeed in sports

Sports are a great way for kids to build self-esteem and teamwork skills, but there can be ups and downs. It’s not all winning. Tournaments are lost, mistakes are made and calls just don’t go your way.

And as a parent, coach, or mentor you want to not only offer support, but teach kids how to weather the sporting storm.

Here’s some tips and stories from some of the best young athletes around on how support from loved ones and lessons learned early have given them the tools to succeed.

Proper Preparation
Knowing what works for you as an athlete is the best advice Nicole Davis of the USA Volleyball team has learned when it comes to preparing for each game. She decides on a focus and tries to get better each time. And that focus on learning is what helps her grow even if her team loses.

“Encourage your kids to accept situations as great opportunities to learn and grow, rather than viewing adversity in a negative light. Being in challenging or unexpected situations can be fun – it’s what you chose to make of it!”

Be the Support System
For Water Polo Team member Lolo Silver, her parent’s greatest gift is their unwavering support. They don’t know much about her sport, and they don’t micromanage her participation, instead they simply embrace her effort allowing her to learn and grow.

“I don’t want another coach around while I’m at home, I just want someone who will let me celebrate the good times, cry through the bad times. They have let me fully experience this crazy sport of water polo in my own way, and for that I will be forever grateful.”

Respect your Opponent
There’s one thing Lauren Gibson of the Women’s USA Softball team always does during a game— she shows respect to her teammates and opponents. Even if it means giving a silent congratulations to the opponent who just hit a double.

“I don’t care what name is across their chest, I am going to show respect for you. Even if you lose, look the person in the eye and say ‘Good Game’!”

Be Part of the Team
The well-known colloquialism “There’s no I in TEAM” is actually wise words to live by according to 2012 World Cup of Softball Gold Medalist Amanda Chidester. She believes to get the most out of your game, you need to focus on helping your team get better.

“You want your team to be successful. You have to learn how to give everything to your team, and once you can remember that and have fun with your team, you will love being out there and enjoy the moment.”

In it Together
Sports can be a team event for the entire family and it’s that support that can make all the difference for a child to excel at what they love to play. Kami Craig was the only athlete in her family so understanding the commitment to succeed was a learning experience for both her and her family.

“I’m the only athlete in my family and it is just really neat to see my parents just kind of took this on as their responsibility to help me get to where I wanted to be. We would take it one step at a time and see what we were getting ourselves into because it was new for all of us.”

Sports are more than just a game. They are a chance to grow for both youth competitors and their families. To learn more ways to enjoy the game with your child, visit PlayPositive.com.