7 Fundamentals
Teach the Sport, Not Just the Skill
Playing a sport for the first time (or second or third) means there are many things to learn. How to throw a
ball, how to hit a ball... the physical list goes on. But there is also the knowledge part of any sport. What are
the rules? Where does the short stop stand? What does RBI mean? What is a hat trick? What do you mean
when you say “round the bases?" Many children younger than nine are still very literal. Tell them to run home
and they might just pick up their glove and leave. It is important not to assume anything. By focusing on
teaching all aspects of the game, you give more children equal access to achieve and to feel a part of the
team. As well as helping them to really understand the game, you can increase their enjoyment. Kids who
may not be as confident in their physical skills can still get excited about the game and develop a sense of
belonging.
Find ways off the field to build interest in the game you are coaching and tap into other skills your players
possess. For example, you can send home weekly "scorecards" for the players. Make it fun. Word searches,
hangman games. Use it to teach the jargon, pick a favorite player to report back on, or pick a team to follow.
Very few coaches will have a Roger Clemens out there, but you might have a Theo Epstein. Who’s that? Make
that a bonus question for your baseball players. Using our sports patches to reward completed "scorecards"
is a great way to make sure everyone has an equal chance to earn a patch.
Playing a sport for the first time (or second or third) means there are many things to learn. How to throw a
ball, how to hit a ball... the physical list goes on. But there is also the knowledge part of any sport. What are
the rules? Where does the short stop stand? What does RBI mean? What is a hat trick? What do you mean
when you say “round the bases?" Many children younger than nine are still very literal. Tell them to run home
and they might just pick up their glove and leave. It is important not to assume anything. By focusing on
teaching all aspects of the game, you give more children equal access to achieve and to feel a part of the
team. As well as helping them to really understand the game, you can increase their enjoyment. Kids who
may not be as confident in their physical skills can still get excited about the game and develop a sense of
belonging.
Find ways off the field to build interest in the game you are coaching and tap into other skills your players
possess. For example, you can send home weekly "scorecards" for the players. Make it fun. Word searches,
hangman games. Use it to teach the jargon, pick a favorite player to report back on, or pick a team to follow.
Very few coaches will have a Roger Clemens out there, but you might have a Theo Epstein. Who’s that? Make
that a bonus question for your baseball players. Using our sports patches to reward completed "scorecards"
is a great way to make sure everyone has an equal chance to earn a patch.
... let's not forget that.
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Key Fundamentals