Fundamentals, repetition and confidence

A legitimate question asked of me recently: why does my child play less than other kids who have not been to as many practices? This is more pertinent to the younger age group.

There are two parts to this response.

1. Though other players have missed practices, they have circumstances that are acceptable. School practice. Football practice. Weight-training workouts at school. Homework. Family events.

2. Your child may not have a grasp of our system and his/her fundamentals yet. It will come with time, patience and repetition. Many of our players have gone through this transition, and though it was painful at times for them, they bore through and get playing time now.

Some players may be extremely busy with school teams, but because they have practiced so often over the past 2-3 years, they understand our offense and defense. They have solid fundamentals. I'm comfortable with their understanding and effort.

Fundamentals are key. Repetition of fundamentals builds confidence in every aspect of drills, of understanding plays on offense, defensive sets, inbounds plays. Everything solid is built on fundamentals.

Understanding begins with the ability to listen. Fortunately, we've had a lot of very good listeners who worked hard and believed in how important it is to work together with a sense of urgency and unity. 

I'm always open to discussion, to your questions as parents, and to new ideas. That's how we have progressed over these five years, getting better every day and succeeding in the effort, at least.
WE LOVE THIS GAME!