Darren Wensor

Vigorous physical free play is a valid athletic development tool. In fact, it may even be one of the best tools. #LTAD #YouthSports

Most sports parents have the best intentions. We just lose our way. The Support vs. Pressure line can be so faint—or maybe we're so focused on a different line, the finish line— that we hardly know we cross it, but once we cross it, it can be extremely hard to regain our children's trust. It can be a little or a lot. Direct or indirect. It doesn't matter. Because any action that says," My interest and influence goes beyond your happiness and well-being," and we've already probably lost them. It may not show itself at 7, 10, 16, or even 20, but it does catch up to you. Typically it's a slow and steady loss of joy and ownership that eventually leads to quitting, resentment, and even a complete breakdown in the parent/child relationship. ►Examples of subtle ways we pressure our kids: We watch every practice? We videotape them incessantly while they are playing sports? We deliver epic car ride-home speeches. We know everything about the opposing teams and their strengths and weaknesses? We constantly talk about their sports in the car and at the dinner table. We prioritize sports over family functions and family trips. ►Examples of overt ways we pressure: We yell at them about their performance on the field. We manipulate them by using bribes and promises in exchange for them to perform well. We push them to play or practice when they are hurt or sick. We hide their injuries, even concussions, from the coach and team. If you are at risk of crossing this line or want more information, I've put a few articles in the comments that can be helpful. Thank you, Amy Saltzman @spotaspider, for your incredible book, A Still Quiet Place For Athletes.

Some of our movement descriptions could be sabotaging a young athlete’s performance. Words work better if they capture the speed or shape or force/strength demands of a movement. Be wise with your words. 2/2

When coaching kids, carefully consider your words. What we name a movement is more important than we realise. Inaccurate terminology or poorly considered coaching cues can be barriers to learning. 1/2

When coaching kids, blending skill development and fun is not only possible but essential.

Coaches ask me about the balance between teaching skills and allowing kids to have fun. I tell them not to see these two things as mutually exclusive. They should seamlessly blend, becoming indistinguishable.

A "dropped" elbow is a common error amongst novice shot putters. Here is one way to fix it. Go to: wp.me/p6h7k7-5BA

Read about 10 of the most common skill errors that I see kids make when they are performing a standing discus throw wp.me/p6h7k7-2sv

Here are 10 things that will help you coach triple jump to kids: wp.me/p6h7k7-6Ae

WOW. What an amazing video. Check out this fantastic vision of the standing high jump at the 1912 Olympics. #littleathletics #highjump #Athletics #trackandfield Go to: wp.me/p6h7k7-2bm

"Winning", by itself, is necessarily a sign of good youth sports coaching. Read more at: wp.me/p6h7k7-52T #littleathletics #youthsports #coaching #parenting

**NEW HURDLES ARTICLE** Check out these tips and tricks for introducing hurdling to beginners. The article includes a new video! Go to: wp.me/p6h7k7-6W5 #athletics #trackandfield #youthsports

**NEW ARTICLE** Learning long jump should be engaging and fun for young athletes. #youthsports #coaching #athletics wp.me/p6h7k7-6V1

Free play holds tremendous value when it comes to sports skill development. #youthsports #coaching wp.me/p6h7k7-6UC

Have you ever noticed how engaged and persistent kids become when given complete autonomy over practicing a sports skill of their choice?

A good youth sports coach does it for the kids, not the kudos. #youthsports #coaching

7/ Prioritising safety allows athletes & coaches to enjoy javelin training while minimising the risk of injuries. Follow these safety considerations to create a secure and rewarding javelin experience for everyone involved. wp.me/p6h7k7-6TJ

6/ Proper Storage When the javelin is not in use during a training session, store it safely. The recommended method is to stick the javelin vertically in the ground. This prevents accidental contact with the tail and reduces trip hazards if left lying around.

Javelin throwing with young athletes needs meticulous attention to safety. Mishandling the javelin can lead to dangerous situations. In this thread, we will explore 6 crucial safety considerations for athletes & coaches to ensure a secure javelin experience. Let's dive in!