Is Your Child’s Practice Helping Them Grow? A Parent’s Guide to Quality Sport Coaching
As a parent, it’s natural to want the best for your young athlete. You drive them to practices, invest in equipment, and cheer from the sidelines. But have you ever wondered — is this practice truly helping my child develop as an athlete and as a person?
At Young Athlete Development (Y.A.D.), we believe parents play a key role in shaping positive sport experiences. Understanding what a quality practice looks like helps ensure your child is learning, improving, and having fun — all in a safe environment.
1. A Warm Welcome Sets the Tone
A good coach greets every athlete by name — maybe with a high-five or fist bump. That small gesture helps kids feel valued and sets the tone for a supportive, team-oriented session.
2. Transition Time Matters
Before the session officially begins, athletes should have 5–10 minutes to move freely, connect with teammates, and work on skills of their choice. This helps them shift mentally from the school day or home life to sport mode.
3. Team Meetings Build Understanding
A short meeting before practice helps everyone get on the same page. Coaches might review highlights from a recent game, outline the day’s goals, or remind players of key focus areas.
This step teaches accountability and gives athletes a sense of direction.
4. A Clear Practice Plan
A structured practice includes a well-thought-out plan — how long each drill will last, how players will rotate, and how to keep everyone engaged. Efficient organization helps ensure athletes spend more time moving and less time standing around.
5. A Purposeful Warm-Up
Quality warm-ups do more than just “get loose.” They build athletic foundations through dynamic, repeatable drills that gradually increase intensity. Over time, these routines develop coordination, mobility, and injury resilience.
6. Focus on Fundamental Sport Skills
The bulk of practice should center on the sport’s key technical skills — passing, shooting, dribbling, or striking — practiced with intention and progression. Each drill should build on the last, giving athletes a sense of improvement from week to week.
7. Decision-Making Opportunities
The best coaches create small-sided games and game-like scenarios. These help athletes learn to think, adapt, and make real-time decisions — critical elements of performance that can’t be replicated through repetitive drills alone.
8. Real Coaching Happens Everywhere
Look for coaches who engage with all players, not just the most talented. They demonstrate techniques, offer individual feedback, and discuss tactics with fellow coaches in a professional, focused manner.
9. Fun and Challenge Go Hand-in-Hand
You should see smiles and concentration. Laughter and effort can coexist — in fact, they’re both signs of a healthy, motivating environment.
10. A Thoughtful Wrap-Up
Good practices end with reflection. Coaches highlight what went well, identify areas to improve, and remind athletes of upcoming events. These closing moments help young athletes develop self-awareness and a sense of progress.
How Parents Can Help
Next time you’re watching practice, use this checklist to quietly observe. You don’t need to critique — just notice whether these elements are present. Then, talk with your child: Did you have fun? What did you learn today?
These simple conversations build awareness and confidence in young athletes.
Learn More with Y.A.D.
At Young Athlete Development, our mission is to support parents, coaches, and athletes with evidence-based guidance on youth sport training and coaching.
