Youth sports

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - It's Friday and for many parents, that means time to head to the football field to watch  their sons and daughters toss the pigskin and cheer on the team.  Parents play an important role in the success of young athletes and today, we've asked an expert to share some please do and please don't tips for coaching from the sidelines in a constructive, nurturing way. 

My Family:
Youth Sports: Focus on Parents
Dr. Eddie O'Connor
Performance Excellence Center
www.performanceexcellencecenter.com
Tips for raising a successful child athlete
1. Share five positive comments for every criticism to build confidence
2. Let your children own their sport
3. Don't protect them from negative emotions - teach them how to go through it

Top 3 negative sport parenting behaviors:
1. Coaching from the sidelines
2. Yelling at the refs
3. The lecture delivered during the car ride home

Three things volunteer coaches must know:
1. Reinforce effort over outcome
2. Teach them how to make a mistake
3. Fun over skills and fitness

How to coach your child:
1. Ask if they want you to be their coach
2. Find a transition routine - be the coach on the field, not at home
3. Be aware of your biases
4. Play sports for fun at home - no drills
5. Enlist the help of assistant coaches