Every year, the NCAA researches the reasons that kids begin playing youth sports.

While the order might change slightly, the results have been remarkably consistent over the years.

Before reading on, I’d challenge you to jot down what you think they are.

Here’s the list in order:

1. To have fun

2. To be with their friends

3. To learn new skills

4. For the joy of competition

5. To be part of a team

6. To get exercise

7. To win

So here’s the question: does your coaching focus on what’s important to your players?

• Is your practice the best part of their day?

• Do you build teamwork into your practice design?

• Do you teach new skills? I think it’s important to note that this is third on the list. Players don’t just want to come and goof around. Seeing themselves improve is fun. They want to learn. Are you teaching with proven and effective methods?

• Do you focus on competing to their potential rather than measuring solely by outcomes?

I hope the answer to these questions is yes. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for many. And that’s a big reason why 70% of kids quit sports by the age of 13.

As a competitive person, I know how hard it can be to keep a proper perspective. One step I’ve taken is to write these reasons at the top of each practice plan.

Seeing it multiple times each practice helps me remember what matters. It might do the same for you!

Whatever it takes, be sure to remind yourself of what matters to your players. If you can, not only will they have a better experience, but you will, too!

For more youth coaching tips & tactics that create a great basketball environment, check out The Youth Coaching System with Jim Huber!

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Comments Most Likes First   Oldest First   Newest First Aernout Dorpmans says: 2/6/2026 at 5:56:17 AM As president of the Dutch Basketball Coaches Association we tried to introduce in Holland the basketball education line for U 8 3 vs 3 kids for U 10 4vs4 and U 10 5vs5. In Belgium is this vision evert successful ... Success is a journey, not a destination...... The outcome is not essential but doing is often more important Like     login   register

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