Joe is one of my best friends. He recently shared a story with me about his youth sports experience.

Joe’s dad was very hard on him. His demanding demeanor came from a loving place. However, it didn’t make life easy on Joe.

That is, until one night and one talk changed everything...

“We were driving home after a game. It was me, my dad, and Chris, one of my friends. Chris was supposed to sleepover that night.

On the way home, my dad started in on my performance. I had struck out a couple of times and made an error in the field.

This went on for a couple of minutes. It was humiliating, especially because Chris was there. I felt myself getting more and more upset.

Finally, I snapped. I yelled at my dad, ‘Will you just be quiet? What do you even know about baseball, anyway?’ I said that because he had never played baseball growing up.

The car immediately got quiet. Like, real quiet. After about a minute, my dad said, ‘Chris, it’s not going to work out for you to sleepover tonight.’

The rest of the ride to Chris’s house was silent. In my head, I was thinking that if it all ended tonight, I’d lived a pretty good twelve years.

We dropped Chris off and rode home without speaking. When we pulled in the driveway, my dad said, ‘Go sit down at the table.’

I went and sat down, fearfully awaiting what was to come.

My dad sat down at the table. He said to me, ‘We will deal with the disrespect later. But let me ask you this. What would you like me to say to you after games?’

My jaw about hit the floor. Of all the ways I saw this conversation going, this wasn’t one of them!

After a minute of thinking and regaining my composure, this is what I told him.

‘Dad, I know you want me to be good. I want to be good, too. When I try hard but play poorly, it doesn’t feel good to hear that from you. What would be helpful is hearing that you enjoy watching me play. It would also be cool if you asked me if I had fun. And you can ask me if I learned anything.’

He sat quietly for a second. Then he looked at me and said, ‘Okay, son. Thanks for that. I love you.’

From that point on, our relationship around sports changed. He stuck to those three areas after the game. And that really freed me up. I no longer feared his reaction if I played poorly. As a result, I played better.

I take the same approach with my kids.

Oh, and he (conveniently) forgot about my disrespect!”

That story really resonated with me. As a parent of two young athletes, it can be tricky to know what the right thing to say is after a game.

But like Joe’s dad, I try to stick to those three areas:

• Telling them I love watching them play.

• Asking if they had fun.

• Asking what they learned.

Give that a shot with your child. You might be surprised at how it improves your relationship!

Help Your Child Grow On and Off the Court

If you want your child to enjoy the game, build confidence, and develop a love for improvement, the environment matters.

At Breakthrough Basketball Camps, we don’t just teach skills—we reinforce the same positive values shared in this article. Players are encouraged, supported, and challenged in ways that help them grow as athletes and as people.

Our coaches focus on building confidence, creating a love for the game, and helping players leave each day feeling excited to come back.

That’s why so many players walk away more motivated—and why families keep coming back year after year.

Find a Breakthrough Basketball Camp near you and give your child an experience they’ll love!

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

FIND A BASKETBALL CAMP NEAR YOU

Comments Most Likes First   Oldest First   Newest First

Leave a Comment Name : Email (not published) : Three times one is equal to?  (Prevents Spam) Answer :  Load New Question Comments : Leave this Blank :