PositiveSports.net

Determination helps college basketball player overcome odds

 

Athletics, Perspective and Family

 

 

 

A true fighter makes it to the top of Kilimanjaro

 

 

 

Study: Emphasis on self-improvement accomplishes more than focusing on winning

Underserved youth athletes report more life skill and character development when their coaches place greater emphasis on creating caring climates instead of focusing on competition, according to research from Michigan State University's Institute for the Study of Youth Sports.

Playing in an atmosphere that focuses on player self-improvement versus player competition creates a sense of teamwork and develops initiative, social skills and a sense of identity, report the authors of the study from the Department of Kinesiology institute.

"The research adds to the growing body of knowledge that shows coaching actions and the team climates they create have important influences on the personal development of youth," Gould said. "Our data suggests if coaches want to develop life skills and character in youth, it is important to focus on player self-improvement more so than winning."

Read the full Medical Express article here.

 

Do leadership and teamwork really matter? Ask the Boston Red Sox

It appears that the September 2011 collapse of the Boston Red Sox was more than a reinstitution of the Curse of the Bambino. In fact, it was worse, because it was preventable.

From almost all accounts, the Red Sox collapse was caused in large part by a lack of team commitment and a failure of locker room leadership.

This post-mortem by Bob Hohler of the Boston Globe provides a case study of why leadership and teamwork matter - even if you have massive talent and a payroll to match. Coaches and parents, think about having your young athletes read this article as a leadership learning experience.

INSIDE THE COLLAPSE (Boston Globe)

Practical advice for parents on goal setting for sports

Erin Mirabella is a two-time Olympic track cyclist, mother, MomsTeam's track cycling expert, and children's book author.  In this article she offers developmentally-sound and practical advice for parents interested in helping their young athletes set positive goals. 

Read the full article at MomsTeam.com

As Girls Become Women, Sports Pay Dividends

Separate studies from two economists provide strong evidence that team sports can result in lifelong improvements to educational, work and health prospects for girls. 

Read the full article at the New York Times...

Developing the Practice Intensity Habit

Source: Association for Applied Sports Psychology

Author: Larry Lauer, PhD, Institute for the Study of Youth Sports, Michigan State University

Many coaches are at a loss when they are met by players who lack intensity in practice. One way to keep athletes moving forward is to teach them how to set and pursue their own practice goals.  In his article Developing the Practice Intensity Habit , Larry Lauer shows us how athletes can evaluate themselves and set daily practice goals to keep on track.

Click here to view full article at the Association for Applied Sport Psychology's website.

Boosting performance through self-awareness

Author: Lauer, Larry PhD

Source: Association for Applied Sport Psychology

Self awareness of ones strengths and weaknesses is a "secret weapon" when hoping to be successful in sports and life. We can help our athletes by helping them use their strengths "crunch time" and work on their weaknesses in practice, or a low stress environment. Larry Lauer explains this concept further and gives specific pointers for enhancing self-awareness.

Click here to view full article at the Association for Applied Sport Psychology's website.

Ken Ravizza on what to do when adversity hits

In Part 2 of his series on Mental Skills Training, Dr. Ken Ravizza talks about what to do when adversity hits.  Use his advice to help your athletes develop 'something to go to' when they hit rough patches in sports - and in life! 

More DIY videos at 5min.com