I was wondering if anyone had any tips of things to do or not to do as the father of the player thats playing.My son is 8 and will be 9 when he gets to play and about 65 pounds.He really loves football and is really looking foward to playing in the fall.My problem is I've never been involed in any orginized sports and could really use some advise from someone thats been through it before as a parent.
Take your time when teaching your son the fundamentals of the game. Remember that he is only 8 or 9 years old and you need to be patient with him. Don't let your own competitive nature get in the way of that. That would ruin competitive sports for him. It takes time, but it also can strengthen the father son bond. Just remember the two most important things are :
Fundamentals
Patience
The fact that you are reaching out and asking this question already shows that you are ahead of most 1st timers. If you're coaching try not to coach your son, ask to coach a position away from your son. You will keep the pressure of your son, and allow yourself to learn to be a good coach as you focus on other kids. Your son will see you working hard and he will do the same. Keep his emotional tank full; encourage him as much as you encourage the other kids. Never give blame; always give solutions; recognize problems and try to figure the best workl around to improve your player. Take responsibility and you will earn respect of the players and parents that are always listening. If you want some good resources there is plenty out on the web; one good site is www.usafootball.com.
Thanks I really apperiate your input and will heed your advise.
And thank you too.And good heads up for the website.
Great advice from the responses here. I would also stronlgy suggest that once the game or practice is over, when you get in the car with him, don't get right to the criticisms, or even the game or practice. Ask him how he is doing, what he thought of the game, etc. and let him tell you what he wants to and when he wants to. If anything, heap lalot of praise on him to keep him motivated as opposed to crticism. Do remember that he is only a young boy and your patience with him in this sport wil go a long way. Good luck to you and him. it is a great game that will provide him with more than just getting in good shape. he will learn team work, trust , dedication, camraderie and most of all, he will have fun as long as he is under no pressure to perform.
Make sure the kid is having fun, first and foremost. Down the road if he is any good you can worry about the next level. Speaking as someone who played major college football..I can say if a kid isn;'t having fun in the earfly years, he won't make it until that later years...
Thanks for taking the time to respond and I will take the advise.
Thanks I'm glad theirs good advise out there.
The most important advice would be let the coaches coach. Don't get upset if a coach takes him out of the game because usually there is a reason. The Pop Warner League is very organized. And after spending several hours of practice, we all become family. We've been in going on 3 years and it's the best choice we've ever done. Give it a try, your son will learn a lot. Thanks!
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