COACHES: Teach mental skills as well

Students return to school soon. Fall sports begin, and millions of kids nationwide will be participating in fall sports programs. Coaches are busy teaching and refining multiple athletic skills necessary for their athletes to succeed in competition.

Some coaches rely on team character development for success just as much as individual skill development for their particular sport. Mental skills such as perseverance, respect, concentration and teamwork can do a long way in determining success. Coaches should explain that these positive mental skills can be taught to other people and have a lifelong benefit to generations that follow them.

CHRIS WELLMAN

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