Shaun Newman Podcast #881 - Coaching Roundtable
Deb's Early Coaching Challenges
- Deb MacArthur began coaching boys' fastball while raising young children and faced the unexpected challenge of coaching boys concerned about their appearance.
- She used creative drills like head-first slides to help boys focus on playing rather than looks.
Build Skills Through Fun Games
- Coaches should focus on building fundamental skills for all children through games that simulate the sport.
- Patience in teaching basics like skating first is critical before advancing to game-level concepts.
How to Coach Kids of All Skill Levels and Keep Sports Fun
Focus on creating a fun, engaging environment for young athletes, especially at the U7 and U9 levels. Acknowledge the wide range of skill levels and motivations among children — some are eager and skilled, others are just there to make friends or learn the basics.
Use games and playful drills (like the "Wolves and Sheep" tag game) that develop skills without the children realizing they're learning. Emphasize patience, growth, and confidence-building rather than strict competition or equal playing time.
Remember that young kids are balancing school, social life, and sports for the first time, so keeping practice fun is essential for retaining their love of the game. Tapping into their natural desire for fun will encourage them to come back season after season, growing the sport's base.