Some weeks ago I had a great conference meeting with some of my junior’s parents. It is fun to work with parents so dedicated to getting their children the best instruction. The young athletes want wins and now! However, hurrying up the development process is not an easy or good idea with junior athletes.
I know little miss or mr. precocious looks so cute with their kill-shots and splats it is tempting to rush junior or missy along the same paths. The best thing to do is to let and encourage children to practice what they have learned rather than wait to be coached.
Kids are used to the latter as school sports have structured practices with coaches. However Racquetball is individual so individual practice is needed. Skills need to be practiced and taught. Once taught, students need to do their homework and write down the information so it is committed to memory. They then have to accept responsibility for practicing on their own!
So I see it like this. I converse with the junior athletes, and gently try to persuade them to pursue solo shot training and to develop a way of life for athletes. Oh, and there are no shortcuts! I will repeat that-no shortcuts-get on the court and work! Junior and Missy-go get’em!