http://ResponsibleSports.comFocus on praising players for their effort rather than their ability. For instance, when a player learns something new, instead of saying “You’re a great athlete” tell them “I appreciate all the practice it took to learn that skill.” This develops a mindset that will help them meet any future challenge with hard work.11/15/2009Substituting for a player who has just made an obvious error adds to the embarrassment the player already feels. At that moment the player needs emotional support. Substitute in ways that protect the pride and self-esteem of the player. This will help the whole team play more assertively.11/8/2009Help your best player to become your team’s hardest worker. Less-talented players will embrace that work ethic in their efforts to improve. You may find by season’s end that you have a new best player.10/12/2009Youth athletes should play multiple sports to develop different muscles and figure out which sports they most enjoy.  Ask parents at the start of the season to list their children’s other activities.10/5/2009Ask your players’ parents what type of earning environments is best for their children.  You might be able to nip some behavioral problems in the bud.9/28/2009Youth athletes often fail to understand the importance of stretching routines, so make them dynamic and fun by giving the stretches funny names or turning them into competitions.9/21/2009Some players enjoy nicknames. Let them choose their own or at least check with them first before using any nicknames that occur to you.9/14/2009There are dangers when athletes compare themselves to others.  If they feel overmatched, they may stop working hard.  If they feel too superior, they may not strive to improve.  Challenge players to improve on their own past performances.9/7/2009Make your playing time philosophy clear to parents before the season.  If they disagree with it then, perhaps their children can play elsewhere.  But if they are surprised mid-season by your approach, conflict is likely.8/31/2009