Feeling discouraged? When is it time to give up?

Many youth players in every sport face the moment when they are so discouraged, so frustrated that the want to give up and quit.  It is human nature.  Even the definition of insanity tells us that if we are doing the same thing over and over and expect a different result, then we are insane.

I can answer this question for the struggling youth player and parent.

The answer is simple.... when it is no longer fun.  Period.  It is very true that you only fail when you quit trying.  Sports are there for enjoyment and entertainment.  We learn life lessons from our trial and tribulations, but we also learn what we love and what we don't.

Too many youth coaches kill dreams, destroy spirits and suck the fun out of sports today.  As young as 6, we see coaches specializing and only spending their time with those above average / physically gifted players.  Why?  Because they don't want to teach... they want to coach those who can perform.  They only want to win.  (I will not beat this dead horse... just go read my other posts).

One of the best things a youth player can do is take a break.  The youth sports parent clinches to read this.  "What if little Johnny/Suzy falls behind the other 8 year olds?"  "They will never play Middle School or High School!"  "The D1 scholarship will die!"  These are a few of the lies we tell ourselves, but what about the old adage, Absence makes the heart grow fonder.  Just ask any avid golfer...a break removes the frustration and allows them to enjoy the sport again.  The same for Basketball, Baseball, Soccer, Volleyball, etc.   However, 99% percent of you know I am right and 98% of you aren't willing to take the break.

If it isn't fun for your child, why?  I have learned youth players only find the game fun when they witness themselves improve.  They can't improve if they aren't given adequate opportunity or playing time.  We as youth coaches need to embrace we are teacher first, role model second, and coach last.  Nonetheless, if they do not like the sport, then don't force it.  Let them be who they are and own their dreams.  Sports or not.