Manchester Youth Soccer League

Bullwinkle's Corner

 

  Welcome to Bullwinkle's Corner - a place where coaches, players, and parents can express their own opinions on what's going on in our soccer world.  However, only positive ideas will be allowed in this "corner of cyberspace".  Hey, I definitely subscribe to the "glass is half full" perspective.

Anyway, if you want to sound off, please email me your thoughts.  Just click the "email me" tab at the top (right margin) of this website and fire away.  I've started the ball rolling with several of my own opinions shown below.

Hopefully, this will not be a coach's soliloquy.  Let's hear it from the bold and brave and have fun.                                                                                        

Regards,

Steve Houseman

P.S.  For those who are too young to remember the Rocky & Bullwinkle Show, take a short soccer break and click some R & B Highlights .

 

 

The Ref - One Pair of Eyes with a Heart of Gold

The referee is one of the most unappreciated human beings on planet earth.  I have refereed many soccer games and enjoy it for the following reasons:

 

1. I like kids and it gives me a chance to work with them from different perspective besides coaching.

 

2. The referee has the best seat in the house to view the game and feel the excitement - much better than the parents or coaches.

 

3. It gives me a chance to defuse tension that sometimes exists before, during and after the game.  I often praise, sympathize, and tease the kids in an attempt to foster good sportsmanship.

 

I believe that most referees volunteer for the same reasons or equally good ones.  Therefore, it's troublesome when coaches, parents, and players show any disrespect to these on-the-field policemen.  These men/women are truly good cops. 

That doesn't mean they won't make unintentional bad calls.  After all, they only have one pair of eyes competing with hundreds of eyes around and on the field. The ref's decision can only be made from his/her viewpoint - sometimes they don't have the best angle - c'est la vie.  

Traditionally after a match, the competing teams line up and shake hands.  During this procession, I encourage all our MYSL teams to include the referee with a much deserved "thank you"!!!                                                                                                                                         

 

In summary, everybody likes to win including yours truly.   I just want to remind all (including myself) to keep everything in its proper perspective.  How we play the game (effort, behavior, etc.) is more important than wins and losses.  Ultimately, the success of this season will be measured by how much we've learned; how many friends we've made; and how much fun we’ve had ---- that’s always been the MYSL bottom line.

  

Video Clip - "Welcome to the (Real) World"

 

Many parents and players think that soccer is a marginal contact sport and that most bumping/pushing should get a prompt whistle from the ref - especially in girl's soccer.  On the contrary, soccer is a very physical sport and if you don't "stand your ground" you'll get "pushed around".  Click here

 to watch highlights of a "scrappy" girls club match.  Enjoy the music as well as the action.

 

A Couple of MYSL Player Axioms 

1. "THE REF IS ALWAYS RIGHT" - If necessary, let your coach question a call - not you.
2. "PLAY HARD BUT CLEAN" - Always play like it's a tie score.  If an opponent is playing "dirty" (e.g. pushing, grabbing, trash talking), channel your anger into extra effort, not retaliation.

 

by Steve Houseman

 

Learning vs. Winning

When I was a kid, I started playing golf in addition to all the team sports like soccer, basketball, and baseball.  My dad, being an excellent golfer (3 handicap), realized that my golf swing looked too much like a baseball swing ---- that's not good.  Once in awhile I would be treated to a golf lesson.  The golf pro would make all the proper swing adjustments so I could hit one good shot out of numerous awkward attempts.  However, once on the golf course, I would revert to my old baseball habits because it felt comfortable and I could score better than using that awkward but proper golf swing.  It wasn't until decades later that I decided to buy new clubs; take a bunch of  golf lessons; shoot a lousy score for awhile; but eventually get a lot better.                                                                                                

My goal as a club administrator and coach is to do the same thing; that is, put a higher priority on learning the game rather than winning the game.  I'm not saying winning is a bad thing --- it feels great; it keeps you playing at that proverbial 110%; and it can be a measure of relative success.  However, losing can be just as positive because:

• You can learn from your mistakes.  
• You can learn from the good play of your opponents (e.g. "They did a lot of wall passes to beat us.  Maybe we should learn to do that too.").
• Playing a tough opponent sharpens your technique (skills). 
• It can accelerate the learning process by "playing up" rather than "playing down".

In Summary - Putting a higher priority on learning (vs. winning) sometimes sacrifices short term results but the long term improvement is definitely worth it.  It takes pressure off the player and puts it on player development.  Just look what it did for my golf swing!!!

 

                                                                                                   

  

  

by Steve Houseman   

 

  

  

         

  

 

  

Failing To Succeed 

“Failing to succeed” is a phrase that can have 2 completely different meanings depending on your point of view.  The obvious interpretation is falling short of your goal - losing rather than winning – a glass ½ empty perspective.

 

One of the 3 MYSL objectives during a season (Main Page) is to put players on an accelerated learning curve of technical and tactical development.  To us, “failing to succeed” means making mistakes (failing) and is a necessary part of becoming a good soccer player.  Remember when you learned to ride a bike?  Once those training wheels came off, you learned at 100 mph - ouch!  No pain/no gain.  Therefore, don’t be afraid of taking a short term hit to  better yourself (and the team).  Here are some examples you are faced with now.

• If the ball is on your left foot (weak foot), take a shot rather than wasting time transferring it to your right foot (strong foot).  This good habit will eventually pay off for you and the team - BIG TIME.
• If there is no forward passing option in your defensive end, pass the ball back to your goalie.  There's a nightmarish fear of scoring against your own team, BUT JUST DO IT!!!  Good teams use their keeper  - bad teams don't. 
• Don’t blast the ball down the field when challenged by an opponent.  Instead, control the ball by dribbling or passing it to a teammate. If you lose it – so what?  Chances are the ball would have gone to the other team anyway with that aimless "school yard boot”.    Remember - SOCCER IS A GAME OF KEEPAWAY, NOT KICKBALL.

In Summary

Don’t be afraid to make a mistake.  It’s an acceptable and necessary part of learning –especially on this club team.  No matter how big the game, don’t operate in the “safe mode” --- even in the every day game of life. 

by Steve Houseman 

 

 

 

  Welcome to Bullwinkle's Corner - a place where coaches, players, and parents can express their own opinions on what's going on in our soccer world.  However, only positive ideas will be allowed in this "corner of cyberspace".  Hey, I definitely subscribe to the "glass is half full" perspective.

Anyway, if you want to sound off, please email me your thoughts.  Just click the "email me" tab at the top (right margin) of this website and fire away.  I've started the ball rolling with several of my own opinions shown below.

Hopefully, this will not be a coach's soliloquy.  Let's hear it from the bold and brave and have fun.                                                                                        

Regards,

Steve Houseman

P.S.  For those who are too young to remember the Rocky & Bullwinkle Show, take a short soccer break and click some R & B Highlights .

 

The referee is one of the most unappreciated human beings on planet earth.  I have refereed many soccer games and enjoy it for the following reasons:

 

1. I like kids and it gives me a chance to work with them from different perspective besides coaching.

 

2. The referee has the best seat in the house to view the game and feel the excitement - much better than the parents or coaches.

 

3. It gives me a chance to defuse tension that sometimes exists before, during and after the game.  I often praise, sympathize, and tease the kids in an attempt to foster good sportsmanship.

 

I believe that most referees volunteer for the same reasons or equally good ones.  Therefore, it's troublesome when coaches, parents, and players show any disrespect to these on-the-field policemen.  These men/women are truly good cops. 

That doesn't mean they won't make unintentional bad calls.  After all, they only have one pair of eyes competing with hundreds of eyes around and on the field. The ref's decision can only be made from his/her viewpoint - sometimes they don't have the best angle - c'est la vie.  

Traditionally after a match, the competing teams line up and shake hands.  During this procession, I encourage all our MYSL teams to include the referee with a much deserved "thank you"!!!                                                                                                                                         

 

In summary, everybody likes to win including yours truly.   I just want to remind all (including myself) to keep everything in its proper perspective.  How we play the game (effort, behavior, etc.) is more important than wins and losses.  Ultimately, the success of this season will be measured by how much we've learned; how many friends we've made; and how much fun we’ve had ---- that’s always been the MYSL bottom line.

  

Video Clip - "Welcome to the (Real) World"

 

Many parents and players think that soccer is a marginal contact sport and that most bumping/pushing should get a prompt whistle from the ref - especially in girl's soccer.  On the contrary, soccer is a very physical sport and if you don't "stand your ground" you'll get "pushed around".  Click here

 to watch highlights of a "scrappy" girls club match.  Enjoy the music as well as the action.

 

A Couple of MYSL Player Axioms 

1. "THE REF IS ALWAYS RIGHT" - If necessary, let your coach question a call - not you.
2. "PLAY HARD BUT CLEAN" - Always play like it's a tie score.  If an opponent is playing "dirty" (e.g. pushing, grabbing, trash talking), channel your anger into extra effort, not retaliation.

 

by Steve Houseman

The referee is one of the most unappreciated human beings on planet earth.  I have refereed many soccer games and enjoy it for the following reasons:

 

1. I like kids and it gives me a chance to work with them from different perspective besides coaching.

 

2. The referee has the best seat in the house to view the game and feel the excitement - much better than the parents or coaches.

 

3. It gives me a chance to defuse tension that sometimes exists before, during and after the game.  I often praise, sympathize, and tease the kids in an attempt to foster good sportsmanship.

 

When I was a kid, I started playing golf in addition to all the team sports like soccer, basketball, and baseball.  My dad, being an excellent golfer (3 handicap), realized that my golf swing looked too much like a baseball swing ---- that's not good.  Once in awhile I would be treated to a golf lesson.  The golf pro would make all the proper swing adjustments so I could hit one good shot out of numerous awkward attempts.  However, once on the golf course, I would revert to my old baseball habits because it felt comfortable and I could score better than using that awkward but proper golf swing.  It wasn't until decades later that I decided to buy new clubs; take a bunch of  golf lessons; shoot a lousy score for awhile; but eventually get a lot better.                                                                                                

My goal as a club administrator and coach is to do the same thing; that is, put a higher priority on learning the game rather than winning the game.  I'm not saying winning is a bad thing --- it feels great; it keeps you playing at that proverbial 110%; and it can be a measure of relative success.  However, losing can be just as positive because:

• You can learn from your mistakes.  
• You can learn from the good play of your opponents (e.g. "They did a lot of wall passes to beat us.  Maybe we should learn to do that too.").
• Playing a tough opponent sharpens your technique (skills). 
• It can accelerate the learning process by "playing up" rather than "playing down".

In Summary - Putting a higher priority on learning (vs. winning) sometimes sacrifices short term results but the long term improvement is definitely worth it.  It takes pressure off the player and puts it on player development.  Just look what it did for my golf swing!!!

 

                                                                                                   

  

  

by Steve Houseman   

 

  

  

         

  

 

  

Failing To Succeed 

When I was a kid, I started playing golf in addition to all the team sports like soccer, basketball, and baseball.  My dad, being an excellent golfer (3 handicap), realized that my golf swing looked too much like a baseball swing ---- that's not good.  Once in awhile I would be treated to a golf lesson.  The golf pro would make all the proper swing adjustments so I could hit one good shot out of numerous awkward attempts.  However, once on the golf course, I would revert to my old baseball habits because it felt comfortable and I could score better than using that awkward but proper golf swing.  It wasn't until decades later that I decided to buy new clubs; take a bunch of  golf lessons; shoot a lousy score for awhile; but eventually get a lot better.                                                                                                

My goal as a club administrator and coach is to do the same thing; that is, put a higher priority on learning the game rather than winning the game.  I'm not saying winning is a bad thing --- it feels great; it keeps you playing at that proverbial 110%; and it can be a measure of relative success.  However, losing can be just as positive because:

• You can learn from your mistakes.  
• You can learn from the good play of your opponents (e.g. "They did a lot of wall passes to beat us.  Maybe we should learn to do that too.").
• Playing a tough opponent sharpens your technique (skills). 
• It can accelerate the learning process by "playing up" rather than "playing down".

In Summary - Putting a higher priority on learning (vs. winning) sometimes sacrifices short term results but the long term improvement is definitely worth it.  It takes pressure off the player and puts it on player development.  Just look what it did for my golf swing!!!

 

                                                                                                   

  

  

by Steve Houseman   

 

  

  

         

  

 

  

Failing To Succeed 

When I was a kid, I started playing golf in addition to all the team sports like soccer, basketball, and baseball.  My dad, being an excellent golfer (3 handicap), realized that my golf swing looked too much like a baseball swing ---- that's not good.  Once in awhile I would be treated to a golf lesson.  The golf pro would make all the proper swing adjustments so I could hit one good shot out of numerous awkward attempts.  However, once on the golf course, I would revert to my old baseball habits because it felt comfortable and I could score better than using that awkward but proper golf swing.  It wasn't until decades later that I decided to buy new clubs; take a bunch of  golf lessons; shoot a lousy score for awhile; but eventually get a lot better.                                                                                                

My goal as a club administrator and coach is to do the same thing; that is, put a higher priority on learning the game rather than winning the game.  I'm not saying winning is a bad thing --- it feels great; it keeps you playing at that proverbial 110%; and it can be a measure of relative success.  However, losing can be just as positive because:

• You can learn from your mistakes.  
• You can learn from the good play of your opponents (e.g. "They did a lot of wall passes to beat us.  Maybe we should learn to do that too.").
• Playing a tough opponent sharpens your technique (skills). 
• It can accelerate the learning process by "playing up" rather than "playing down".

• If the ball is on your left foot (weak foot), take a shot rather than wasting time transferring it to your right foot (strong foot).  This good habit will eventually pay off for you and the team - BIG TIME.
• If there is no forward passing option in your defensive end, pass the ball back to your goalie.  There's a nightmarish fear of scoring against your own team, BUT JUST DO IT!!!  Good teams use their keeper  - bad teams don't. 
• Don’t blast the ball down the field when challenged by an opponent.  Instead, control the ball by dribbling or passing it to a teammate. If you lose it – so what?  Chances are the ball would have gone to the other team anyway with that aimless "school yard boot”.    Remember - SOCCER IS A GAME OF KEEPAWAY, NOT KICKBALL.

  Welcome to Bullwinkle's Corner - a place where coaches, players, and parents can express their own opinions on what's going on in our soccer world.  However, only positive ideas will be allowed in this "corner of cyberspace".  Hey, I definitely subscribe to the "glass is half full" perspective.

Anyway, if you want to sound off, please email me your thoughts.  Just click the "email me" tab at the top (right margin) of this website and fire away.  I've started the ball rolling with several of my own opinions shown below.

Hopefully, this will not be a coach's soliloquy.  Let's hear it from the bold and brave and have fun.                                                                                        

Regards,

Steve Houseman

P.S.  For those who are too young to remember the Rocky & Bullwinkle Show, take a short soccer break and click some R & B Highlights .

 

The Ref - One Pair of Eyes with a Heart of Gold

The referee is one of the most unappreciated human beings on planet earth.  I have refereed many soccer games and enjoy it for the following reasons:

 

1. I like kids and it gives me a chance to work with them from different perspective besides coaching.

 

2. The referee has the best seat in the house to view the game and feel the excitement - much better than the parents or coaches.

 

3. It gives me a chance to defuse tension that sometimes exists before, during and after the game.  I often praise, sympathize, and tease the kids in an attempt to foster good sportsmanship.

 

I believe that most referees volunteer for the same reasons or equally good ones.  Therefore, it's troublesome when coaches, parents, and players show any disrespect to these on-the-field policemen.  These men/women are truly good cops. 

That doesn't mean they won't make unintentional bad calls.  After all, they only have one pair of eyes competing with hundreds of eyes around and on the field. The ref's decision can only be made from his/her viewpoint - sometimes they don't have the best angle - c'est la vie.  

Traditionally after a match, the competing teams line up and shake hands.  During this procession, I encourage all our MYSL teams to include the referee with a much deserved "thank you"!!!                                                                                                                                         

 

In summary, everybody likes to win including yours truly.   I just want to remind all (including myself) to keep everything in its proper perspective.  How we play the game (effort, behavior, etc.) is more important than wins and losses.  Ultimately, the success of this season will be measured by how much we've learned; how many friends we've made; and how much fun we’ve had ---- that’s always been the MYSL bottom line.

  

Video Clip - "Welcome to the (Real) World"

 

Many parents and players think that soccer is a marginal contact sport and that most bumping/pushing should get a prompt whistle from the ref - especially in girl's soccer.  On the contrary, soccer is a very physical sport and if you don't "stand your ground" you'll get "pushed around".  Click here

 to watch highlights of a "scrappy" girls club match.  Enjoy the music as well as the action.

 

A Couple of MYSL Player Axioms 

1. "THE REF IS ALWAYS RIGHT" - If necessary, let your coach question a call - not you.
2. "PLAY HARD BUT CLEAN" - Always play like it's a tie score.  If an opponent is playing "dirty" (e.g. pushing, grabbing, trash talking), channel your anger into extra effort, not retaliation.

 

by Steve Houseman

The referee is one of the most unappreciated human beings on planet earth.  I have refereed many soccer games and enjoy it for the following reasons:

 

1. I like kids and it gives me a chance to work with them from different perspective besides coaching.

 

2. The referee has the best seat in the house to view the game and feel the excitement - much better than the parents or coaches.

 

3. It gives me a chance to defuse tension that sometimes exists before, during and after the game.  I often praise, sympathize, and tease the kids in an attempt to foster good sportsmanship.

 

Learning vs. Winning

When I was a kid, I started playing golf in addition to all the team sports like soccer, basketball, and baseball.  My dad, being an excellent golfer (3 handicap), realized that my golf swing looked too much like a baseball swing ---- that's not good.  Once in awhile I would be treated to a golf lesson.  The golf pro would make all the proper swing adjustments so I could hit one good shot out of numerous awkward attempts.  However, once on the golf course, I would revert to my old baseball habits because it felt comfortable and I could score better than using that awkward but proper golf swing.  It wasn't until decades later that I decided to buy new clubs; take a bunch of  golf lessons; shoot a lousy score for awhile; but eventually get a lot better.                                                                                                

My goal as a club administrator and coach is to do the same thing; that is, put a higher priority on learning the game rather than winning the game.  I'm not saying winning is a bad thing --- it feels great; it keeps you playing at that proverbial 110%; and it can be a measure of relative success.  However, losing can be just as positive because:

• You can learn from your mistakes.  
• You can learn from the good play of your opponents (e.g. "They did a lot of wall passes to beat us.  Maybe we should learn to do that too.").
• Playing a tough opponent sharpens your technique (skills). 
• It can accelerate the learning process by "playing up" rather than "playing down".

In Summary - Putting a higher priority on learning (vs. winning) sometimes sacrifices short term results but the long term improvement is definitely worth it.  It takes pressure off the player and puts it on player development.  Just look what it did for my golf swing!!!

 

                                                                                                   

  

  

by Steve Houseman   

 

  

  

         

  

 

  

Failing To Succeed 

When I was a kid, I started playing golf in addition to all the team sports like soccer, basketball, and baseball.  My dad, being an excellent golfer (3 handicap), realized that my golf swing looked too much like a baseball swing ---- that's not good.  Once in awhile I would be treated to a golf lesson.  The golf pro would make all the proper swing adjustments so I could hit one good shot out of numerous awkward attempts.  However, once on the golf course, I would revert to my old baseball habits because it felt comfortable and I could score better than using that awkward but proper golf swing.  It wasn't until decades later that I decided to buy new clubs; take a bunch of  golf lessons; shoot a lousy score for awhile; but eventually get a lot better.                                                                                                

My goal as a club administrator and coach is to do the same thing; that is, put a higher priority on learning the game rather than winning the game.  I'm not saying winning is a bad thing --- it feels great; it keeps you playing at that proverbial 110%; and it can be a measure of relative success.  However, losing can be just as positive because:

• You can learn from your mistakes.  
• You can learn from the good play of your opponents (e.g. "They did a lot of wall passes to beat us.  Maybe we should learn to do that too.").
• Playing a tough opponent sharpens your technique (skills). 
• It can accelerate the learning process by "playing up" rather than "playing down".

In Summary - Putting a higher priority on learning (vs. winning) sometimes sacrifices short term results but the long term improvement is definitely worth it.  It takes pressure off the player and puts it on player development.  Just look what it did for my golf swing!!!

 

                                                                                                   

  

  

by Steve Houseman   

 

  

  

         

  

 

  

Failing To Succeed 

When I was a kid, I started playing golf in addition to all the team sports like soccer, basketball, and baseball.  My dad, being an excellent golfer (3 handicap), realized that my golf swing looked too much like a baseball swing ---- that's not good.  Once in awhile I would be treated to a golf lesson.  The golf pro would make all the proper swing adjustments so I could hit one good shot out of numerous awkward attempts.  However, once on the golf course, I would revert to my old baseball habits because it felt comfortable and I could score better than using that awkward but proper golf swing.  It wasn't until decades later that I decided to buy new clubs; take a bunch of  golf lessons; shoot a lousy score for awhile; but eventually get a lot better.                                                                                                

My goal as a club administrator and coach is to do the same thing; that is, put a higher priority on learning the game rather than winning the game.  I'm not saying winning is a bad thing --- it feels great; it keeps you playing at that proverbial 110%; and it can be a measure of relative success.  However, losing can be just as positive because:

• You can learn from your mistakes.  
• You can learn from the good play of your opponents (e.g. "They did a lot of wall passes to beat us.  Maybe we should learn to do that too.").
• Playing a tough opponent sharpens your technique (skills). 
• It can accelerate the learning process by "playing up" rather than "playing down".

• If the ball is on your left foot (weak foot), take a shot rather than wasting time transferring it to your right foot (strong foot).  This good habit will eventually pay off for you and the team - BIG TIME.
• If there is no forward passing option in your defensive end, pass the ball back to your goalie.  There's a nightmarish fear of scoring against your own team, BUT JUST DO IT!!!  Good teams use their keeper  - bad teams don't. 
• Don’t blast the ball down the field when challenged by an opponent.  Instead, control the ball by dribbling or passing it to a teammate. If you lose it – so what?  Chances are the ball would have gone to the other team anyway with that aimless "school yard boot”.    Remember - SOCCER IS A GAME OF KEEPAWAY, NOT KICKBALL.

A Stunning Victory for Youth Sports

Being a soccer player and/or coach since the age of 5, I was glued to my TV throughout the 2011 Woman’s FIFA World Cup.  However, on final’s Sunday (USA vs. Japan) I had to catch the first 90+ minutes on radio before watching the overtime and penalty kicks on the tube.  In my opinion, the game was a stunning victory for youth sports for at least 2 reasons.

1. Although Team USA was an overwhelming favorite, Japan beat the odds with incredible effort  and resolve.  This is a great lesson for any young player faced with a similar David vs. Goliath battle. 
2. Today, it’s very difficult to find a positive role model for kids in any professional sport.  It’s disturbing to watch these highly paid athletes behave so badly. Yet, on the world’s greatest stage (the FIFA World Cup), Team USA demonstrated 1st class sportsmanship during a game they were expected to win but lost.  Afterwards, they accepted their silver medals with grace; praised their opponents; and refused to blame anyone for their defeat except themselves. 

In Summary

The 2011 Woman’s FIFA World Cup gave us a lot of well played and entertaining soccer.  More importantly, it showed our children that effort is tantamount to winning and gave us a sorely needed role model in professional sports. 

Note- MYSL encourages all parents to support our effort in promoting good sportsmanship/behavior at practices and games.  Therefore, please cheer rather than criticize players; respect coaches and referees; and refrain from any other negative role modeling (e.g. smoking and/or drinking at a MYSL sponsored event). 

 

MYSL supports The Collaborative and their work in our community.  For more information about this organization, please go to http://thecollaborative.us/.

by Steve Houseman 

 

Thumbs Up for Multiple Sport Athletes 

When I grew up in the 1950’s and 60’s, kids played football or soccer in the fall, basketball or ice hockey in the winter, and baseball in the spring (lacrosse came later).  What about the summer?  We played all sports without adults, leagues, or pressure (sandlot ball).  However, today many kids play one sport year round.  For example, school soccer in the fall, indoor soccer in the winter, club soccer in the spring, and soccer camps in the summer.  What a merry-go-round!  This may be good for the “soccerhaulic” but for everyone else I think it’s a bad idea.  Here’s why.

• Physical Burnout – Playing one sport uses the same muscles over and over again.  Much has been written about the benefits of cross training (playing different sports) to offset this problem.
•  Mental Burnout – It just common sense that for the vast majority of kids, “variety is the spice of life”.
• High Expectations – Focusing on one sport seems like too big of a commitment at an early age.
• Pressure – There’s a feeling among some parents that their kids won’t make varsity soccer unless they get on this year round merry-go-round.

There are obvious benefits to premier soccer, AAU basketball, or similar sports programs.  A higher level of competition and great coaching not only improves a player’s ability but some kids thrive in
this environment.  However, the 2 overriding reasons why a child will ultimately excel in a sport are:

1. He/she is a natural born athlete.  Something you can’t coach.
2. He/she has an insatiable desire to play the game.  The problem is that year round play runs the risk of throwing a wet blanket on this enthusiasm.  It happens – I’ve seen it countless number of times.

Conclusion

Having a child play a particular sport year round is becoming commonplace even in Vermont.  There are benefits but also drawbacks to going this route.  Please look both ways before you cross this road.

by Steve Houseman