WYC 051 – Youth Softball – Jenn Starkey from FastPitch Fit talks confidence, teaching players to go not stop, and the MVP Leadership Academy

What does it take to be a winning youth coach? Listen in as Jenn Starkey shares stories and discusses her journey to becoming a successful youth sports coach.

Jenn is a Softball Coach, Sushi Lover, Yogaholic, and an Expert Marketer on a mission to help young leaders find they leverage they need to go ALL IN.  Jenn has created a leadership program for youth athletes and is currently working on a book titled "A League Of Your Own"- a book written that talks all about what it means to be a leader in your own life.

Facebook: /FastpitchFit

Youtube: /FastpitchFit

Book: 'A League of Your Own' - loyobook.com

Listen Now:

Listen in ITunes: Itunes link

Listen in Stitcher: Stitcher link

Quote

'If you can't explain it to a 6 year-old, you don't understand it yourself' - Albert Einstein

My Cringe & ‘Ah-Ha’ Moments

Learning to not let the emotions of the game and the emotions of coaching affect your personal life - One rule Jenn has with the parents is that if they want to have a discussion - they need to schedule an appointment (so you're not being interrupted throughout the evening)

One cringe moment - Failing to act when a parent was out of line

Teaching Children & Keeping it Fun

'If you can't explain it to a 6 year-old, you don't understand it yourself' - Albert Einstein

Use funny words, ask a lot of questions, ask them how they feel

HUGE IDEA #1:

Steps in teaching:

A good strategy is to ask the kids if they want to learn something new before you teach it - increases buy-in

Then demonstrate what doing it the right way looks like.  If you can't physically demonstrate it yourself - have someone else do it, or even show a video.

Now break it down into steps and explain the why on what they are doing

Then do a dry run

Then go game speed

Self-Confidence and teaching kids to achieve peak performance

Give genuine compliments on how the player makes the team better

The best way to keep the pressure from mounting is to keep the game fun - and practice pressure situations in practice

HUGE IDEA #2:

7 confidence Hacks:

20 minute video: fastpitchfit.com/confidence-hacks/

#1- Extra Practice

#2 Anchoring

#3 Unleash the Alter Ego

#4 Power Pose

#5 Master Self Talk

#6 Visualization

#7 Play Up!

As a player - it's your job to go; as a coach - it's my job to stop you.  So be aggressive until I tell you to do otherwise.

Culture - Discipline/Rewards/Teambuilding

Make sure you are only punishing things that the kids can control

Jenn has a baby elephant story, and a baby elephant award at the end of each week of practice is given to the kid who has worked the hardest and been the best teammate

The Tony Robbins triad for you to change how you feel:

Move your body

What you focus on

What you say

Connecting with Kids

MVP Leadership Academy

Book: 'A League of Your Own' - loyobook.com

Winning

Winning is an outcome, the goal is growth

The One that Got Away

Jenn believes in having a post-game review - then moving on

Best Stolen idea

Jenn's dad attitude about being a coach - He said he is a parrot - learn from the best and do the same things.

Coaching/Leadership Quote or Book

Anything by John Wooden or John Maxwell

Parting Advice