If you really looked at Norway’s “feel good” approach to youth sports, you might think they’ve got it backwards. You might even think it’s “soft.”

But then, if you followed the Winter Olympics, the results would tell you a different story. You might have noticed that Norway dominated, again. With a population of just over 5.7 million, Norway won 18 gold medals and 41 medals in total at the 2026 Winter Games, outpacing countries with vastly larger populations like the United States.

And in case you think this is just a Winter Olympic phenomenon, Norway wins 3x as many medals per capita as the US at the Summer Olympics, too.

That kind of performance is staggering and begs a question every youth coach should ask:

What are they doing differently, and what can we learn?

Believe it or not, much of Norway’s success roots back to how they treat kids in sport long before Olympic glory.

Norway vs. The U.S.: A Tale of Two Youth Sports Cultures

At its heart, Norway’s system isn’t about winning early — it’s about keeping kids in sport, enjoying the process, and developing athletes over the long run. Here are some of the biggest differences:

Norway’s Philosophy

• Fun comes first. Youth sports emphasize joy over competition.

• No scorekeeping until age 11. Wins and losses take a backseat to learning and participation.

  For many of us, this would require a paradigm shift. I’ll admit, 11 seems old to me. But it could be that’s because I only know the US model.

• Everyone gets a participation trophy. Not to build a false sense of self — but to encourage continued involvement without fear of judgment.

  When I first learned of this, I rolled my eyes. However, there might be something to it, especially given that 70% of US kids quit sports by 13. So while I’m not totally on board, I’m open-minded to the idea!

• Kids try many sports. Early specialization is discouraged, allowing athletes to experiment and find what they are passionate about.

• Affordability and access are priorities. Cost isn’t a barrier, so nearly every child can play.

  This is a huge issue in almost every youth sport in the US now, and it’s wrong. We have friends who are paying over $10,000 for a year of 13-year-old JO Volleyball, when you include the cost of travel. Economics should not be a barrier to entry for kids wanting to play sports!

In Norway, 93% of kids participate in organized youth sports, compared to roughly half in the U.S. — and the main reason children quit in America? They stop having fun.

What This Means for Youth Basketball Coaches

If we want more kids to thrive — not just survive — in our programs, the Norway model gives us a roadmap:

• Make fun the foundation. Kids don’t quit because they lose games — they quit because they lose joy. That’s one of the primary philosophies behind The Youth Coaching System with Jim Huber.

• Delay intense competition. Scoreless scrimmages early in development keep focus on skills and learning.

• Encourage multi-sport play. Well-rounded movement builds better athletes and reduces burnout and injury.

• Make your program accessible. Lower barriers — financial and emotional — so every kid feels welcome.

• Celebrate effort, not just results. Recognize improvement and persistence before wins and losses.

Even as I share these ideas, there is a part of my that’s uncomfortable. Is this all too “touchy-feely”? Will it decrease competitiveness? That’s where I have to weigh my subjective skepticism against the proven success of this message.

And, given the mess that is youth sports in the US, isn’t an alternative approach worth a shot?

A Culture, Not Just a Coaching Trick

Norway’s system works because it’s kid-focused. It’s about values, community, and long-term development instead of early performance. That’s why their athletes consistently emerge strong, and why their medal count dwarfs expectations relative to population.

As youth basketball coaches, we can take this lesson straight into our gyms and courts: players stay when they feel valued, supported, and connected to the game. That’s what builds better athletes — and better humans — long before they ever chase an Olympic dream.

Bringing the Norway Philosophy to Your Gym

If Norway teaches us anything, it’s this: when kids enjoy the process, they stay in the game — and long-term success follows.

That same philosophy drives what we do at Breakthrough Basketball Camps.

Our camps are built around:

• Skill development in a positive, encouraging environment

• High reps without high pressure

• Teaching the game the right way — with energy and enthusiasm

• Building confidence, not fear of mistakes

• Helping players grow as teammates and competitors

We believe kids improve fastest when they feel safe to try, fail, adjust, and try again. We emphasize fundamentals, decision-making, and effort, but we never lose sight of the fact that youth sports should be enjoyable.

If you want your child to experience basketball in a way that builds skills, confidence, and love for the game, check out our upcoming Breakthrough Basketball Camps and see how we’re helping players develop the right way.

Because when the environment is right, growth takes care of itself.

Gain the Edge to
Stand Out on the Court

Breakthrough Basketball Camps help players improve their skills and decision-making while building the confidence to shine on and off the court. Trusted by over 150,000 players nationwide, our camps provide:

• Experienced coaches who know how to teach every level

• Skill development in shooting, ball handling, and all-around play

• Game-like situations that build confidence under pressure

• A positive, motivating environment parents can feel good about

• Beginner, Youth, and Advanced Camps - Ages 6 to 18

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