APIVEO

Changing the World Through Youth Sports

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Cure the “Warm Body Syndrome”

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I recently had a conversation with a friend and fellow coach. I asked him if he was coaching this season, and he said, “I thought about it, but when I coached last year, I was just a warm body standing in the outfield”. My heart broke.

Many volunteer youth coaches of kids in grades K-6 succumb to the “warm body syndrome.” This occurs when an individual graciously, but often reluctantly, agrees to coach because there are not enough coaches to form teams for all of the kids that signed up (including his or her own kid). [Read more…] about Cure the “Warm Body Syndrome”

APIVEO™ LESSON THREE

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What is a leader? Who is a leader?

In this lesson our goal is to teach the kids that they are all leaders. As early as pre-school kids know there’s something special about being “the line leader.” It’s exciting to have the class follow them. However, it’s not the number of people following that makes one a leader; it’s the actions that result from the choices made. If a child makes a decision and acts on it, he/she has led themselves even if no follows. Therefore, every child on your team is a leader that influences his/her own behavior as well as those around them. In subsequent lessons, we will discuss how to lead but at this point we simply want them to believe that they are leaders. [Read more…] about APIVEO™ LESSON THREE

Through the Eye of a Child

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One of the greatest lessons I ever learned was taught to me by my son Christian when he was only five years old.

Christian, who is now eight years old, was playing five year old t-ball. It was a beautiful day, and all of the kids where having a great time. In the third inning, it was Christian’s turn to play pitcher. Anyone who has had a child on a t-ball team knows that the position of pitcher in t-ball is synonymous with “target.” [Read more…] about Through the Eye of a Child

APIVEO™ LESSON TWO

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How do we use our talents and gifts to Always Play 4 Each Other?

This lesson is at the core of APIVEO. The goal is to demonstrate that “Always Playing 4 Each Other” is an intentional effort in that we use our gifts to help others achieve something. “Always Play 4 Each Other” is not the same as simply letting others go first and putting you second. Instead, your purpose is specifically to benefit someone else and that takes effort regardless of where you may end up. The following dialog will demonstrate this concept in a fun and engaging way. [Read more…] about APIVEO™ LESSON TWO

APIVEO™ LESSON ONE

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What does it mean to Always Play 4 Each Other – Introduce Team Cheer

This lesson will introduce the team to the phrase “Always Play 4 Each Other.” It should be a fun and interactive conversation. The goal is to have the players identify “each other” as important to the team. The level of importance will be reinforced throughout the next lessons as well as in the cheer, which is a great way to get the team to repeat the message together.

These lessons are best presented at the end of practice. I always give the lesson in a place where the parents can experience it as well. In baseball I will bring the team to the fence and ask the parents to join us on the other side of the fence if they like. [Read more…] about APIVEO™ LESSON ONE

APIVEO Lessons: Overview

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Here is a list of lesson topics that will be provided over the coming weeks. Each lesson will consist of a lesson goal and a script. The lessons are designed to be presented at the close of the post-practice meeting. After giving specific feedback to your players about the practice, you have the opportunity to present the lesson.

 

I close each lesson by having the kids come in and put their hands together and I offer a summary statement and/or a prayer that is based on the lesson that was presented. If you decide to pray, I suggest you start the prayer with an announcement that you are about to pray and that the kids can listen or not, but ask that they be respectfully silent during the prayer. After the summary statement we celebrate with our team cheer. I believe it is best to send the kids home with a single message that applies to all of them, which is why I present the lesson summary at the close to reinforce it.

 

I suggest you hold your post-practice meeting where you are accessible to the parents so they can hear the lesson. This will give them the opportunity to continue the discussion about the lesson during the drive home. It will also clearly demonstrate your focus on their child’s future. [Read more…] about APIVEO Lessons: Overview