WYC 113 – Youth Sports – Morgan Sullivan talks 3 P’s: Prepare, progress, push

Morgan Sullivan is a youth sports coach. He has coached his daughter and sons in multiple sports, and is an avid student of coaching. He also shares coaching wisdom on his blog and in his Facebook group Coaches Corner. Blog: coachmorganssportschannel.wordpress.com Facebook: /coachmorganscorner/ - Listen Now: Listen on iTunes: iTunes link Listen on Stitcher: Stitcher link Listen on Google Play Music: Google Play link - Quote ‘Push your players to the point of uncomfortable but attainable.' Coaching your own kids Make sure all the players know you are there to coach and treat all the players equally Treat all the kids equally - your child shouldn't have to be 50% better than the next kid to earn a spot - If they earn it, they earn it! Cringe Moment Morgan's 5 year-old son was running the game-winning touchdown, and his shoe came off and he stopped. They lost the game and Morgan ran out and yelled at his son. Morgan realized he had lost perspective, apologized to his son and the team, and learned to keep perspective during games. Teaching Skills The less talking the coaches do and the more playing the players do, the better it will be for everyone. A quick demonstration goes a long way. Use stations. Run from station to station. Self-Confidence Mistakes are learning points. We want mistakes. You only get better by making mistakes. Championship Culture  It starts with great assistant coaches Approach communication from the positive side of things: use words like 'I would like to see...' instead of 'I don't want you to do ...' Focus on process and making the right decision Reward hustle, sportsmanship Great team builders - Start practices by playing fun games, have a potluck cookout Connecting with and Impacting Kids Morgan has coached a boy who is his neighbor and followed his growth, and got to see him catch his first TD recently, Morgan doesn't know who was more excited, the boy, his parents, or Morgan The One that got away Morgan had some scouts come to watch him in a high school game and he gave up 7 runs and only recorded 1 out. Morgan's mom did a great job afterwards of keeping things in perspective and reminding him that this doesn't define him. Best borrowed/stolen idea Hardwork and dedication will reap benefits Morgan's best coach had great passion and loved hardwork and fun. Favorite coaching book/quote Book: Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy Book: Leading with the Heart by Coach K Book: Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson and Joseph Grenny Parting Advice 3 P's - Prepare, progress, push. During practice - Push your players to the point of uncomfortable but attainable. -  -- Reviews are the lifeblood of the podcast!- If you like the podcast- please take 2 minutes to write a review! Click here -  Ready to be an Awesome Youth Coach? Sign up for our free weekly newsletter: