The mood is always intense.
Early every Saturday morning, with many parents holding a warm cup of coffee, there is a hustle as they take their little tackers to play the game of their life…
The court we are on is showcasing an amazing game.
I look at the girls playing in my team and the team of the opposition and can’t help but wonder what is going on in their minds as they play competitively.
Just in this moment a player, defending hard from the opposition, falls to the ground. The possession of the ball is with a girl in my team. A great opportunity presents itself to this young player with an open court, ball in hand, defence on the ground.
There is a pause.
The little athlete tucks the basketball under her arm, puts out her hand to the opposition on the ground, helps her up and walks the tearful player to their bench.
The game continues as usual, but the moment leaves a mark.
With kids’ sports being played in the plenty here in Australia, instilling or role modelling a healthy attitude towards sports is imperative. The guide below comes from personal and observed experiences.
Pre-game pep talk – a healthy mindset towards each game
Having a little pep-talk on the drive or just before the game helps kids stay determined, focused and healthily competitive. Some tips:
Being switched on and ready to play – reminding them that sport is as mental as it is physical. Being mentally ready, calm and driven is an essential kick start.
Setting self-goals – be guided by your child, they might want to work on defence, points/runs, more running. This keeps them motivated to do their best and keep improving their game.
Focusing on being your best that day – not every day is the same and like adults, kids have a huge range of emotions. Allowing them space to navigate what their best looks like that day is important to their wellbeing on court/field.
Some kids really want to win compared to others, and that can bring on big emotions, supporting them to accept winning and losing as part of the game keeps them grounded.
The need for parent supporters on the bench
Having a supportive bench lifts morale and boosts children’s confidence. Kids often look for/towards their parents when they do something they are proud of, maybe they defended harder, maybe they got the ball, maybe they (nearly) kicked a goal. All very important moments in a little athlete’s lives.
After game reflections
Understanding how the game went for the team, and individually for themselves creates a habit of handling whatever comes up through the game.
This may include techniques that worked well, maybe a few words were exchanged with the opposition, and handling post-game blues.
We don’t always play our best, and reflecting helps make peace with the game just played and motivated for the next one.
More than a game
I once coached a game, where my team won their first game for the season! The parents were as loud as a zoo.
The young girls who played?
Most of them had the same look they do after each game – happy to have played hard, had fun, and enjoyed their favourite sport with teammates they enjoyed hanging out with.
This is an overarching connection that keeps kids enthusiastic to keep playing.
Seeing sport as comprehensive and holistic allows us to grasp the arena with all its glory and set our kids up for success.
