Keeping Your Team Strong (Part 1 of 3): Parents

Because parents, players, and coaches invest so much time, money, passion, & energy into athletics it’s easy for division to happen within teams and programs. All it takes is a persistent negative attitude, over-bearing parent, or a high-strung coach to cause fracture. It takes a team effort from your parents, players, and coaches to keep your team from falling apart during the battle of the season and it's imperative that excellent programs stay united.

So how do you keep your team strong and ready to compete in every game?

With help from your:

Parents

No doubt you are sacrificing a lot for your kids to play. A lot of times you expect a return on your money thru playing time. Much of the complaints that a coach receives is due to this one reason, and it can be a serious detriment to the team. If you really want to be about the team, then make it a rule – NO COMPLAINING ABOUT PLAYING TIME. A coach already has to deal with the inconsistencies of players during a game, player egos, and attitudes (all players have an attitude – it’s either helping the team, or hurting the team). The last thing a coach needs to be thinking about during the game is “will my parents be mad at me”. A coach cannot do his best if he always has to think about what parents think of him/her.

Now understand this, your son or daughter may deserve to play the most. They may be the best player on the team. Complaining to your coach about this though only causes a coach to take his mind off of the TEAM. You don’t know what a coach is already thinking about, or why he makes the certain decisions. However, you aren’t helping the TEAM by telling the coach how to do his job better. If it’s something that really needs to be addressed, then consider these things:

(1) Encourage your kids to overcome. Life is not fair. Teach your kids how to overcome the hard times now. This only prepares them for what they will face later in life. Whatever you do, don’t quit simply because they aren’t playing as much as you want. This example will teach your athlete to be loyal to the decisions they make.

(2) Set up a private meeting with the coach and ASK - not demand - what your athlete needs to do to EARN more playing time. Don't forget - other athletes may have worked just as hard as yours.

(3) Review how much work your athlete really is putting in. Are they making EVERY practice? Do they do specific workouts outside of practice? (FYI – playing ball at church or with your friends does not count). Are they obeying the coach’s instruction during practice & the games? Does your athlete carry themselves with a good attitude regardless of the circumstances? Are they on top of their schoolwork? If they aren't excelling at one of these items, then that could be what’s holding them back on the court.

We will do more for our teams, programs and players by teaching them how to get through obstacles, rather than away from obstacles. Stick to it – OVERCOME!

Coach CJ

Executive Director – C.H.S.M.

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Persevere

There’s no doubt that this summer has been one of the toughest summers I have experienced. Between work, ministry, and trying to a good husband & father, it sometimes feels like there is more to be done than I can do – an overwhelming sense of not enough time. More than likely, you have been there too. The days are long, the nights are short, the deadlines are daily, and the list of things to do just gets longer. You feel like a caged hamster running 100 miles an hour – but going nowhere. Chances are, you probably feel like you are in the middle of a great storm and you just don’t know how much longer it’s going to last. This same scenario is what drives us to the latest self-help book, seminar, or time-management class. Yet, we still feel like we are in the middle of the storm – and it’s getting worse! This past weekend, as I was thinking about this in my own life, I asked myself this question – how does one get through the storm? Here are two things the Lord showed me.

Keep your eyes on Him.

It’s very easy to get so caught up in working and put your eyes on what is around you, rather than keeping your eyes on the One leading you. However, if you keep your eyes on Him, and follow His commands, then you won’t notice the great swells around you – you’ll only know that you are still on top of the water, not under it. (Mark 6:45-51)

Jesus cares.

It’s easy to think our hard work is for naught when we don’t get what we believe we deserve, or achieve the goals we had hoped to achieve. That’s not how God operates though. Too many times we try to tell God how and when to reward our effort, rather than accepting the fact that His timing may be different than our timing, and His reward might be different. This is not a sign that Jesus doesn’t care about us – on the contrary! God rewards us in His time, and according to His will, which is always perfect (Jer. 29:11)

Athletes, who are trying to excel, are always working on their craft. They play in summer leagues, receive individual instruction, and become students of the game. Many times it’s easy for an athlete to feel like he/she is going thru a storm. Something is always getting in the way – circumstances, coaches, or even other players. It’s also easy for them to think that they aren’t getting what they think they deserve, or what they believe they should have already achieved. It’s at these moments that an athlete’s character really comes thru – How do they respond to the tough times? The athlete who overcomes these difficulties is the one who keeps their eyes on Jesus, and knows that He really does care. When the athlete does these two things, then no matter how many times they get knocked down – they get right back up. No matter how many times they are told it isn’t worth it and to quit, they persevere because they know that God’s plan is much more rewarding than their own.

The reward for keeping your eyes on Him and understanding that He cares is God’s continued strengthening and blessing on your life. Sometimes it will be allowing you to achieve what you want to achieve. However, it will always be His perfect will, which will be more than you can ask or think.

Persevere.

Press On.

Coach CJ
Executive Director – C.H.S.M.
www.chsmhouston.com

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The Uncertain Sound

The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 14:8, "For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?"  What a great question - and one that deserves our study of God's word.

The verse indicates the importance of understanding what a trumpet call sounds like and what it means when we hear it - just like our military did for so many years.  Did you know that a game does not stop because a horn goes off in the middle of play?  That's an uncertain sound.  Only a whistle stops the game - that's a rule.  Satan is always looking to distract us with uncertain sounds and the only way we can know that a sound is uncertain is to know what the correct sound actually sounds like!

Coach’s – Here is something that you can do with your team.  When you have them run a set of sprints, tell them they are to go only upon the right sound.  For instance, try a command like "whistle-whistle-go".  You then can check their responses by doing a couple of things.  Blow the whistle 3 times in a row.  Did they go?  They shouldn't have gone because that was not the right sound.  Blow the whistle once and then say go-go.  Did they move?  I hope not because that wasn't the command.  The command was a whistle-whistle-go!  You get the idea.

It’s important for our young men and young ladies to learn to listen for the right things.  They should play ball until a whistle sounds - not the horn.  They should only move when you tell them to move.  They should do as mom and dad tell them to do.  And they should do exactly what God has commanded them to do - no more and no less - knowing precisely what His voice sounds like!

Coach P

CHSM Basketball

Charlie Pomeroy is an assistant basketball coach and CHSM leadership team member.  He has over 20 years of coaching experience and is an active member at his church in Spring, TX.

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DO YOUR JOB!

I can’t remember where I heard it, but when I did, I knew I wasn't going to let it go.  It was the phrase – Do Your Job.  It has become a staple in my basketball lingo and in reality it’s a truth that touches all aspects of life – Do Your Job.  This is probably because we live in a society that says “If someone else isn't doing the job, then you do it”.  However, in most cases, we fail to realize that when we do someone else’s job, then our job doesn't get done (or done as well as it should be).  So now we have someone doing a job they aren't as good at, while the job they are good at doesn't get done as well as it should.  You have essentially robbed Peter to pay Paul – but you are no further along than where you started – and more than likely took a step back!

Players are a perfect example of this.  It is inevitable that a player tries to do the job of his teammates, either because it’s not getting done, or the player thinks he can do it better than his teammates.  All the while that player is telling the coach “I had to do it”.  If you are a player then hear this – STOP!  It’s not your job to do your teammates job.  Most sports are team sports and each member of the team has to do their job in order for the team to be successful.  Yes, I know, most times, when a player doesn't do his job it leads to points for the other team.  But, players need to remember that not doing their job in order to do a teammates job is only making the team worse – not better.  This hurts the team in 2 ways – First, the team gave up points (can’t win if the other team scores more than you); and Second, but more importantly, a player took away a teaching opportunity for the coach to help a player get better when they are failing at their job.  If a coach can’t teach a player when he makes a mistake, then that player may not get better at doing his job, and if players aren't getting better at their jobs, then you are probably going to start losing more as the year goes on.

Now, let me be clear, this doesn't apply to the help principles that coaches teach in specific offensive/defensive sets.  However, if your coach tells you to play offense on a wing, then don’t go to the post because that spot isn't filled.  And, if your coach tells you to lock down a specific player on defense, then don’t go guard someone else.  If coach tells you to be the leader, then don’t give that responsibility to someone else.  Step up, take that leadership role.  Help your teammates understand how to get better at their job by watching you do well at your job.  When each player does their job, then the team begins to build forward momentum.  With forward momentum comes greater learning and skill building, which typically results in wins.

It’s important in life to remember this principle as well.  You can’t be all things to all people.  No matter how hard you try, you will not be the answer to all problems.  Focus on what you do best, continue to get better at it, teach others how to do as good a job as you (if not better!), and you will find yourself on the road to success!

Coach CJ

Director – CHSM

www.chsmhouston.com

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Proper Preparation for the Game

One of the greatest detriments to talented teams is proper game preparation.  Too many times players show up to games unprepared and go through warm-ups like it’s another day at the park.  Improper focus leads to talented teams being down early in games and if it’s not corrected in-game, then it leads to a BIG win for underdogs.  So how does a player prepare for a game and when should the preparation start?

Unlike what a lot of players think, game preparation does not start the day of the game.  Game preparation starts at practice and the night before the game. 

(1)      Practice – It’s important for players to have a good practice before their game as it helps them go into their game with confidence.  Players need to understand that a good hard practice will go a long way towards helping them play at another level come game time.  They must also remember that you cannot play better consistently than how you consistently practice.

(2)      The night before – Game preparation also starts with the night before the game.  Players should strive to get into bed early and get 7-8 hours of good sleep.  Too many times players stay up late the night before the game.  Not only does this take away from the rest you need, but it also leaves you open to getting into more trouble.  Just ask the college players who get sent home from bowl games or tournaments for violating curfew.  As my dad always says, “If you don’t want to fall into the Grand Canyon, then don’t get close to the edge!”  Players, get to bed early.  You’ll be healthier, you won’t get into trouble, and you’ll be prepared.

(3)      The day of – In order to be properly prepared for your game, you need to have a good day of the game.  Your body, whether you think it or now, screams for a routine.  So create one.

·         Eat well.  It's important that you try to eat good protein and stay hydrated.  Stay away from foods that can sap you of your energy or are unhealthy.  Your body needs optimum foods at optimum times in order to perform at an optimal level during the game.
·         Schedule your day of the game and stick to it.  Your mind loves it when you have a schedule and stick to it.  It gives you a sense of accomplishment and releases stress and pressure. 

·         Set an alarm for the morning of your game and get up when it goes off.  Eat a healthy breakfast. 

·         Get your school done on time. 

·         Do a light, but focused shoot –around (either individually or as a team). 

·         Pack your game bag in the morning and check it at lunch time (don’t be one of those players who shows up with 1 shoe, or forgot your jersey). 

·         Take time thru the day to think about your role on the team and how you can best do your job

·         Leave for the game on-time and get to the game early. 

·         Dress up for the game.  My first high school coach once said “You play like you dress”.  If you show up like a slob, you’ll play like a slob.  Show up decent, and you’ll play decent.

·         Take time to visualize game situations and how you will react to those situations

·         Review new plays your coach has taught you recently – again, know your job

·         Stretch in the morning, at lunch, and before the game.

·         Warm-up before the game with a purpose.  Don’t walk onto the floor and start jacking up shots.  Have a purpose when you warm-up and take your warm-up seriously.

It should also be noted that music does not help you play better.  I know, I probably just alienated half the players reading this.  But listen, no matter what you think, or how it makes you feel, music will not make you a better player.  It’s like a drug, it may help you get “high”, but at the end of the day it only impairs you and you will crash during the game when you have no music.  Don’t rely on music to prepare you for a game.  Do the right things every day in order to prepare for your game and you will be amazed at how fresh and ready you will feel at game time. 

“Failure to prepare is preparing to fail” – unknown

Coach CJ

Christian Homeschool Sports Ministries (CHSM)

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How to Earn More Playing Time

Every player that doesn’t play the whole game is always wondering – “How do I get more time?”  Too many times parents and players think that game performance should dictate whether they (or the son/daughter) ‘deserves’ more time.  That’s very rarely the case.  There’s no doubt that game performance is important, but game performance is simply a result of preparation.  The best players are not the best players because they were born with incredible skill and IQ.  They are the best because they spend hours and hours in preparation for the game, so that they can be the best during the game.  In other words – their playing time is earned by sweat, blood, and tears outside of the actual game.  More time spent working out at home, being at all the practices, and giving 100 percent in practices results in earning the coach’s respect – and in turn – more game time.

However, it’s important to remember that practice is simply not shooting the basketball on your goal or playing 3-on-3.  Players who work their way into the game rotation are the players who are structured in their workouts – they workout with a purpose.  When they shoot around they are thinking about their footwork, form, and release points.  They push themselves to their limit at every practice and pay attention to every detail of each play and drill.  They take home what they learned at practice and work at it until it becomes a habit – a habit they perform during a game without thinking about it. 

Do you want to earn more time on the floor?  Work twice as hard at home and in practice as everyone else.  Sooner or later your coach will realize that he can’t afford to have you on the bench. 

Coach CJ

CHSM Crimson Knights

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