[ayso45-coaches] ball ownership protocol

[Dion Lisle]

I have to confirm what Brent says is true - I did this for my U10 boys team
and other than an occasional use of my extra ball during practice we were
issue free during the season.  I recall one week when the other other team
couldn't start their warmups because the coach with every ball wasn't at the
field yet, we loaned them a couple of ours.

It teaches responsiblity and frees you to focus on coaching.  A very good
thing to do for U8 and above.

coach dion
U10 Cobras

On Wed, Nov 11, 2009 at 5:23 PM, Welch, Brent <welch at panasas.com> wrote:

> Now that we're at the end of the season and the flurry of lost ball
> emails is starting to grow, I want to make another plug for
> "player ball ownership".  This is something I learned a couple
> years ago when I was a U8B coach.  The idea is simple.
>
> Before the first day of practice when you blow up all your balls,
> you label each ball with "Team 8" or whatever.
>
> On the first day of practice you bring a bunch of permanent markers
> with different colors.  As you give each player their ball, you
> instruct them to put their name on it, and decorate it however
> they want.
>
> Then, at the parent meeting that is probably also at that first
> practice, you explain that each player is responsible for their
> own ball.  They take it home that very first day.
> They need to bring it back to every practice and to every game.
>
> They can do it.  They really can.  Of course, sometimes they forget,
> and I do always bring a couple of extra balls.  But, letting the
> player control their own ball means (a) they have some chance
> they might actually kick it around between practice, and (b) they
> are given some responsibility.  Even a 7 year old can handle it,
> and it is good for them to learn how.
>
> Finally, it unburdens you, the coach, from freaking out at the
> end of games and practices when you can't find every ball.  The
> dread of having to steal a ball from your own son or daughter
> at the end of the season so you can give the rest of the team
> their balls is gone.  It isn't your problem.
>
> I mentioned this early in the season, but I think it is
> easier to appreciate now.  For next season!
>
> --
> Brent Welch
> Coach "Ice Torpedoes" U10B-8
>
>
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-- 
Dion F Lisle
Mobile     650-814-8081
Email      dion.lisle at gmail.com
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