James Leath 10/28/15 James Leath 10/28/15

How to Create the Ultimate Teammate

The subject of "creating culture" has been buzzing as of late so I thought I would share a couple notes on ways I have found to create a fun and successful culture.

James Leath 10/22/15 James Leath 10/22/15

Getting the Parents Involved in Practice

Toward the end of every season, I schedule a "kids vs parents" game. A great time to do this is when the team is not doing so well and needs to have some fun, or at the end of the year party. There are many different ways to do this. Here are some tips to make it go smoothly:

James Leath 10/14/15 James Leath 10/14/15

Learning about your new team

Those simple, quiet moments you have with an athlete are the moments they will remember for the rest of their lives.

James Leath 10/8/15 James Leath 10/8/15

Playing in the Absence of Fear

As a youth coach I believe it is my job to model confident behavior for my athletes and coaches. It starts with intelligent preparation and ends not in winning (though that often is a by-product of great preparation) but in performing at the highest ability in which I am capable.

James Leath 10/1/15 James Leath 10/1/15

Mental Toughness: Defined.

James Leath 9/24/15 James Leath 9/24/15

Dear Coach, I want to quit.

Hello Coach Leath, My dad says I can't quit my team, but I don't want to play football anymore. All I do is sit on the bench during the games. What should I do?

James Leath 9/17/15 James Leath 9/17/15

Intentional Growth

Learn the thing, then do the thing. It is not enough to know a thing; you must do the thing you know. Years ago I ran across a book called "How to Read a Book" (1940) by Mortimer J. Adler. If you are like me, you were never really taught how to drink deeply from a good book. I highly recommend it as a place to start on how to read a book. Not all books require the same amount of energy to read, and Adler's book gives you a frame of reference to use when selecting a book to read.

James Leath 9/10/15 James Leath 9/10/15

The Difference Between Winning and Losing

“You got it. Winning and losing is not in your control,” I explain. “Instead of concerning yourself with the score, be a competitor. Who is coming in first during the sprints? Beat them. Who stays after practice to catch a few more throws? Catch more. A competitor does not worry about the scoreboard or stats or social media fans. A competitor shows up to be the best they can be and their hunger for improvement is never satiated.

James Leath 9/3/15 James Leath 9/3/15

Not everyone gets a trophy

As for you, my fine friend, you are a victim of disorganized thinking. You are under the unfortunate delusion that simply because you run away from danger, you have no courage.

James Leath 8/29/15 James Leath 8/29/15

5 Ways to Increase Coach-to-Athlete Communication

What are some other communication tips I should include next time I write about communicating to athletes?

James Leath 8/23/15 James Leath 8/23/15

There isn't more to life than this...

There isn't more to life than this--A baby's smile, a loved one's kiss A book, a song, a flower, a friend And just a little time--to spend.

James Leath 8/20/15 James Leath 8/20/15

Top 10 reasons why kids quit organized youth sports

Cheer for the athletes, not the team. It is okay to appreciate talent from the other team. When a coach told his athletes’ parents to root for the other team at a football game in Texas a few years ago, it literally changed the lives of the players on that team.

James Leath 8/16/15 James Leath 8/16/15

When you’re up against a trouble

When you’re up against a sea of trouble,
Meet it squarely, face to face;
Lift your chin and set your shoulders,
Plant your feet and take a brace.
When it’s vain to try to dodge it,
Do the best that you can do;
You may fail, but you may conquer,
See it through!

James Leath 8/13/15 James Leath 8/13/15

What is Wrong with Youth Sports?

Young athletes are kids; they are not mini-adults. They have a hard time paying attention to one thing for a long time because deep down they know, they are out there to play, and this is just a game.

Keep it simple. Let the kids play.

James Leath 8/9/15 James Leath 8/9/15

Invictus, aka "I am the captain of my soul" [poem]

Invictus, by William Ernest Henley (1894-1903)

James Leath 8/8/15 James Leath 8/8/15

Question for you...

What is wrong with youth sports? Don't hold back. Be honest, I won't hold it against you. If you don't have any connections to youth sports now, what was wrong with them back when you participated as an athlete? Ready? VENT!

James Leath 8/2/15 James Leath 8/2/15

Don't Quit

I don't know who wrote this poem or where I first got it. I found it written on a 5x7 card in my sophomore year high school yearbook. Don't Quit

James Leath 7/30/15 James Leath 7/30/15

Hall of Fame inductee John Smoltz

I want to encourage the families and parents that are out there to understand that this is not normal to have a surgery at 14 and 15 years old, that you have time, that baseball's not a year‑round sport, that you have an opportunity to be athletic and play other sports.

James Leath 7/26/15 James Leath 7/26/15

The Cookie Thief

A woman was waiting at an airport one night With several long hours before her flight She hunted for a book in the airport shop Bought a bag of cookies and found a place to drop

James Leath 7/22/15 James Leath 7/22/15

What if Your Teammates Don't Like You?

I received an email about an athlete who believes a few teammates and his coach do not like him. I thought you might be interested in how I responded to him.

communication

Dec 18, 2023

The Art of Effective Communication in Coaching

Great communication in coaching is about creating an environment where your athletes feel they can speak up, where their opinions are valued, and where everyone is working together towards a common goal. It's in these environments that athletes truly flourish, where performance soars and strong, cohesive teams are built.

confidence, injuries, gymnastics

Oct 12, 2023

Rebuilding Confidence Post-Injury

In the end, it’s all about taking that leap of faith, both metaphorically and literally in the case of a gymnast. The road to recovery is as much about healing the mind as it is about healing the body. It’s not about the setback; it’s about the comeback! With the right approach, your gymnast will not only return to the mat but will fly higher than ever before.

self-talk, Emotional Control

Sep 28, 2023

Self-Talk Conversation

In this article, we'll dive into the world of self-talk in high school volleyball. We'll explore why it's essential, the impact it has on performance, and provide practical tips for coaches to empower their players with this invaluable mental skill. So, get ready to discover how we can elevate our young athletes' game through the power of self-talk.

parenting, mentaltoughness

Jul 27, 2023

Mental Toughness for Young Athletes

In pursuing mental toughness, young athletes inevitably encounter various challenges that can impede their growth and development. This chapter is dedicated to exploring these obstacles and equipping both parents and young athletes with effective strategies to overcome them. As we delve into these common hurdles, we aim to empower young athletes to build a strong foundation of mental resilience, allowing them to excel in their sports journey and beyond. By fostering an environment of support, understanding, and open communication, parents play a vital role in guiding their children through these challenges, helping them develop the mental toughness needed to overcome setbacks and thrive in the face of adversity.

gender specific

Jul 18, 2023

You Hit Like a Girl

A great myth in America is that sports build character. This is false. The late Billy Graham once said, “A coach will impact more people in one year than the average person will in an entire lifetime.” Just a reminder that the student-athletes are always watching. Your words will echo in their minds for the rest of their lives. Your echoes can be a blessing or a curse. You decide.

Developing Mental Strength and Resilience in Youth Athletes

empowered coach

Jun 2, 2023

Developing Mental Strength and Resilience in Youth Athletes

Athletes develop mental toughness when provided the necessary support and resources to manage stress and maintain a healthy balance between sports and other aspects of their lives. You can encourage athletes to practice stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, visualization, and deep breathing exercises.

mentaltoughness, activity

Jun 1, 2023

Mental Toughness Training Examples

This training involves working with a sports psychologist or mental toughness coach to develop strategies for improving mental toughness. The training may include deep breathing, positive self-talk, and meditation.

empowered coach, activity

Sample Visualization Exercises

Visualization Exercises (examples): These exercises involve athletes picturing themselves performing well in a competition. Visualization exercises help athletes develop mental toughness by building confidence and reducing anxiety.

athlete development

Sample Competitive Drills

Competitive Drills: These drills pit athletes against each other in a competitive environment, where they must fight to win. For example, a soccer coach might set up a scrimmage where the athletes must compete against each other to score goals.

athlete development, activity

Sample Decision-Making Drills

These drills simulate game-like situations where athletes must make quick decisions under pressure. For example, a basketball coach might set up a drill where the athlete has to make a split-second decision on whether to shoot or pass the ball.

Sample Endurance Drills

Endurance Drills: These drills are designed to challenge an athlete's physical and mental endurance by pushing them to their limits. Examples include running intervals, swimming laps, or high-intensity cycling for extended periods.

youth sports

May 30, 2023

Empowering Young Athletes

Remember, as a youth sports coach, your goal isn't to create professional athletes but to instill a love for the game, nurture a healthy lifestyle, and teach valuable life skills. Approach your role with enthusiasm, patience, and understanding, and you'll significantly impact your young athletes' lives.

May 25, 2023

Beyond Talent: The Crucial Role of Character in Athlete Recruitment

Recruiters consider an athlete's on-field talent and off-field behavior, personal conduct, and compatibility with team culture. The article serves as a valuable guide for aspiring high school athletes, stressing the need for integrity, discipline, and positive interactions as pivotal aspects of their athletic journey and, ultimately, their recruitment potential.

May 12, 2023

Emphasizing the Importance of Failure

Remember, as coaches, we serve as the master storytellers of our athletes' experiences. We help them weave their tales of struggle, triumph, trials, and resilience. We encourage them to see the beauty in each chapter of their story, reminding them that it's through the difficult pages that the most profound growth occurs.

May 4, 2023

Game On: Crafting Engaging Practices for Youth Athletes to Maximize Fun and Learning

As a coach, it is essential to structure practices to maximize engagement and learning for your young athletes. By creating a positive and stimulating environment, you can help your athletes develop the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional skills necessary for success both on and off the field.

Creating a Positive Team Culture: Defining, Reinforcing, and Celebrating Team Values

Values, culture

Apr 25, 2023

Creating a Positive Team Culture: Defining, Reinforcing, and Celebrating Team Values

By recognizing and rewarding athletes who embody the team's values, coaches can create a positive team culture where athletes are motivated to uphold the values and support one another. This recognition also reinforces to athletes that their behavior and actions have an impact on the team's success and encourages them to continue to strive towards embodying the team's values. Additionally, recognizing and rewarding athletes who uphold the team's values can foster a sense of pride and ownership in the team's culture, leading to increased commitment and dedication from the athletes.

Feb 22, 2023

How Athletes Can Use the Power of Breath to Improve Performance

Breathwork is a powerful tool athletes can use to improve their performance on the sidelines. By practicing simple breathing techniques, athletes can increase endurance, recover more quickly, reduce anxiety, and improve focus. Whether you are a professional athlete or just looking to improve your performance in your favorite sport, breathwork is a simple and effective way to gain an edge.

Feb 13, 2023

Activity: Monster Draw

Monster Draw is a fun and engaging activity for participants to practice their communication skills and creativity. In this activity, two participants sit back to back, one describing a cartoon monster while the other draws it. This activity teaches the importance of clear communication and how it can affect the outcome of a task. Includes lesson plan.

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