by Tim Nash
One of your players all of a sudden appears uncoordinated, slower than normal, off-balance and struggles to perform skills you thought were mastered long ago.
It takes no time at all to accurately diagnose the problem – Growth Spurt.
When trying to identify the reason a young player is struggling, this is by far the easiest. There’s no need to list the physical changes needed to identify a player going through a growth spurt. It’s safe to say you’ll know it when you see it.
by Tim Nash
Burnout is one of those words we choose to use when we feel like exaggerating, or when we need an excuse.
Are you really burned out on a type of food, a television show, or maybe a sport? Or have you just spent an inordinate amount of time on it lately? Does a busy day really burn out kids to the point where they turn down an invitation to a social or sporting event by saying, “No, I’m burned out?” Or they just tired?
Burnout, however, is a real concern among young athletes. It’s cited as the reason kids stop trying, under-perform and quit altogether.
by Tim Nash
Traditionally, athletes who have a good day the field, court or rink go to great lengths to replicate the routine that led to it.
Athletes have always turned to superstitions and good luck charms in an effort to repeat a good performance.
Tennis champion Serena Williams will not change her socks during a tournament. Michael Jordan always wore his University of North Carolina shorts under his Chicago Bulls shorts. All-Pro linebacker Brian Urlacher ate two chocolate chip cookies before every game. And baseball hall of famer Richie Ashburn slept with his bats.