Giving Parents a Helping Hand

Are the fans and parents getting a little loud during games and probably making your players nervous? If you're looking for a way to teach your parents what to say and what not to say then check out an easy exercise that will help.

Having trouble with parents getting a little loud during games or possibly screaming things that freak out, or putting too much pressure on your players? Well parents are doing their best to support their child but their passion and enthusiasm can often go a little overboard. So to help not only the parents but also your players here's a great exercise to do the next time you get your team together:

• Give each of your players a piece of paper and a pen.
• Ask them to draw a line down the middle of the paper, and DO NOT put their names on the paper (this will make them more honest)
• On one side of the line write "Things the Parents Can Say That Help Us", and then have them write all things that they'd like the parents to say during games that they would help them.
• Then on the other side of the paper write "Things the Parents Say That Don't Help Us", and then they write down everything that any of the parents say that pressures them or makes it harder for them to play well.
• Once everyone has finished collect all the papers and then list all their answers for each question on a big sheet of paper.
• Make enough copies for all of the parents to have one and then pass out at your next parents meeting...or hold one if you never have…
• Since the comments aren't attached to any player in particular it prevents the list from being accusatory and will really help the parents know what things to say to help their kids play better, and what things to avoid saying.

For more exercises to help your players deal with the pressures of games check out A Coaches Guide to Creating Team Chemistry.