Attendance
It is important that you attend as many classes as possible. Each week we take small developmental steps as a class and individually. This includes learning new games and new phrases while developing better motor skills and a better understanding of how to work and play with others. We encourage the group to progress together and if many kids are absent over several weeks the whole class could be held back.

Technique Reinforcement
I have a basic philosophy and a few basic goals for our preschool sports classes. I will discuss many of these ideas as we progress as a class. A few examples include:

• Listening to the coach.
• Recognizing others and their positive contributions.
• Understanding the concept of unselfishness and taking turns.
• Staying "In the game".

These priorities will be stressed throughout the duration of the clinic. Whether your child's class is a "parent participation" class or not, parents should be engaged in the class and reinforce the lessons being learned.

For all classes I introduce and practice age-appropriate ball skills. Some drills may seem beyond the skill level of your child, but by practicing challenging drills week after week with reinforcement and encouragement from parents, kids will experience amazing improvement. This will help our preschoolers (and parents) build good fundamental athletic habits!

Clothes
Kids should wear tennis shoes and sweats, shorts or loose pants.

Sharing
Sometimes a child does not have his or her own ball to use. Other times a child has a ball taken. In these instances, our first instinct is often to present the child with another ball. I believe, however, that these are great opportunities to teach teamwork and conflict resolution. Instead of handing the child another ball, encourage him or her to share with a teammate or to find another ball to use.
Team sports are about taking turns and deferring to teammates as well as taking charge individually. If we take these opportunities to introduce the team principles, kids begin to learn a valuable concept of group participation and team sports!

Food and Snacks
Please wait until class is over before giving your little players snacks or food. This helps the players stay together and feel part of a team. If the parents decide the class should have snacks, I would be happy to bring enough for the group.

Parent Involvement
I have noticed over the years that a good class has a lot to do with the parents of the little players. Parents are encourage to participate in the classes, weather by physically participating or by morally supporting all players and the team as a whole.

Parent Feedback
I love to learn about how I might improve the class!! Please fill free to suggest improvements or bring up concerns for the betterment of the class.

Questions? Send Coach Thomas an email: thecoachthomas@yahoo.com

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