Coaches who think they can figure out which kids have good attitudes and coachability from a couple of tryout sessions with 80 kids on the field are kidding themselves. Tryouts stink. Let’s not kid ourselves and pretend. Reducing children to numbers and putting them in artificial playing environments is not a fun thing to do. […]

The key is to make stretching something they want to do, not just something they have to do. Every gymnastics coach has his own training methods, but all top children’s coaches share the same priorities: They make safety No. 1 and fun a close second. Through gymnastics classes, children learn to follow instructions, build their […]

They say time heals all wounds, don’t they? Well, that means muscles too! Taking it easy for a couple of days works wonders. Let me first start off by saying that I am in no way, shape or form a medical doctor. However, having three boys involved in organized sports, I’ve nursed my fair share […]

Swimming is one of the best exercises because it works our hearts and lungs, is low impact and builds strength because of water’s resistance. As swim parents, swimmers and coaches, we know the importance of a good club team. I’m not sure every city manager or parks and rec department fully understand swimming and how […]

After researching swim techniques for vision impaired athletes, Hermes discovered para-swimming, an adaptation of the sport for athletes with disabilities. McClain Hermes’ highlighter-yellow shoes carried her across the blue pool deck as her name flashed on the screen behind her. She walked steadily to the blocks, one hand gripped lightly to her cane and the […]

The program offers head-to-toe equipment, age-appropriate instruction and certified coaching to first-time players in a fun and safe atmosphere Area youth, including students from the University of Notre Dame Robinson Community Learning Center, took to the ice recently as part of the Little Blackhawks Learn to Play program, a legacy of the NHL Winter Classic at […]

Ideally the standard chip shot will be used if there is more grass (rough or fairway) to cover than the amount of green that the ball has to roll on. Chipping is a very important aspect of golf, especially for beginners. Beginners normally focus on their long game, but in reality having a good short game […]

Swimmers may not find time for extracurricular activities they’d like to try such as working at a campus radio station or internships. I believe that if our kids want to swim in college, they can find a school that fits—and it can be a wonderful experience. I also understand that swimming on a college team […]

It’s important that all defensive linemen dip and rip, then anchor their gap. They cannot allow themselves to get washed. The Crossfire Blitz out of the 3-4 under defense is a great way to take away the strength of the offense’s formation. This blitz is easy to install, but very difficult for the offense to […]

No matter who you are, someone looks up to you and watches your actions. You make an impact, we just can’t always know the significance. There is no greater or more important person than a coach. And while I often state that everyone is an athlete, but our office is just different, everyone is also […]