Anonymous wrote:Dc wants to play his sport in his very competitive hs. I think my dc is awesome but I am also objective about his current skill level. I keep suggesting he get some individual coaching but he is refusing and saying he wants to work on his own. I know other kids trying out are getting extra assistance. Is this oneof those times where I just have to quietly watch and hope I am wrong? I don't want him to be disappointed but feel helpless.
Years ago I saw a poll of college coaches who were asked what they thought held high school basketball players back the most. The top answer was something like "an inability to honestly assess their strengths and weaknesses and accept critical feedback." Individual coaching can make an enormous difference, but kids have to want the trainer's knowledge to benefit from it, and they have to put aside what they think is fun and looks cool and do what the trainer says. Most kids can't do it, which is why many athletic kids who spend a lot of time "practicing" basketball don't improve and don't make their high school teams.
I used to have a coach whose mantra was "principle over personality." If your DC can't buy into that, then a trainer won't help much.