Coaching Your Own Kids: Sometimes the Best Thing You Can Do Is Step Back
If you’ve ever coached your own kids, you probably know how difficult it can be.
It’s almost impossible to be completely unbiased.
Sometimes we’re too easy on our kids.
Sometimes we’re way too hard on them.
And if we’re not careful, basketball (or any sport) can follow us home and start affecting a relationship that’s much more important than the game.
Let Them Come to the Conclusion Themselves
I’ve coached my own kids in basketball and even spent some time coaching them in soccer, and one thing I’ve tried hard not to do is constantly push them to practice more.
Instead, when the timing is right, I’ll ask questions.
“Do you want to be a good basketball player?”
Usually the answer is yes.
Then I’ll ask:
“What do you think you need to do to get better?”
Kids are pretty smart.
They usually know the answer.
Practice. Work on their skills. Get more reps.
There’s a big difference between a parent saying, “You need to practice more,” and your child coming to that conclusion themselves.
That doesn’t mean you can’t get in the driveway or gym and help them. I still do.
But I’ve also learned there’s tremendous value in letting someone else coach your child.
Sometimes Kids Listen Better to Someone Else
When I started my basketball training business, some of my best customers were actually coaches themselves.
They knew basketball.
They knew exactly what their son or daughter needed to work on.
But they’d tell me:
“They just don’t listen to me.”
I completely understand it now.
Sometimes kids simply receive coaching differently when it comes from someone other than Mom or Dad.
Sometimes You Need to Be the Parent, Not the Coach
That’s one reason I’ve enjoyed being able to send my own kids to Breakthrough Basketball Camps and Training Academies.
They get quality coaching, repetition, and feedback.
They can work at becoming better players.
And I get to spend a little more time being Dad instead of always being Coach.
If you’ve found yourself constantly battling your son or daughter about practicing, sometimes the answer isn’t to push harder.
Sometimes it’s stepping back, finding the right environment, and letting somebody else do the coaching.
Give Them a Place to Work — Without You Having to Push
Breakthrough Basketball Camps and Training Academies give players a structured environment to work on their skills, get quality feedback, and learn from experienced coaches.
Sometimes that outside voice is exactly what a young player needs — and it gives you the chance to step back and simply support them as a parent.
Find a Camp or Training Program Near You →What do you think? Let us know by leaving your comments, suggestions, and questions...
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