L Scott Sports Video Article

Learning to Play the Game

These days, the competition in the sports arena has skyrocketed. Gone are the days of Dad teaching Junior how to throw the perfect curve ball. Now we have videos that will teach your child the techniques of the game.

This isn't a bad idea, but it takes the personal touch out of sports. Kids can memorize the movements and techniques, but are they really learning what it will be like in the actual game?

There are videos for teaching hockey fundamentals, shooting basketball, getting the perfect spiral on the football, and even how to throw the perfect curveball. We even have videos giving tips on coaching the game. Professional athletes are even making videos giving tips about how to play the game.

Now, everyone wants their child to learn how to play the game from the best person. But sports is more than just a game. In sports, a child learns sportsmanship, team spirit, and confidence. It teaches a child how to work as a team and gives him/her that confidence to do their best. That just can't be learned in a video.

Sports "how-to" videos can teach your child the fundamentals of the game, but they just can't teach them the other things necessary to make them successful in the sport in which they participate.

While I believe that sports training videos serve a useful purpose, parents, coaches, and athletes should not rely solely on them. The time spent practicing with a coach, fellow teammates, or parents will be much better in the long run for the athlete. A child can have all the proper techniques down to an art, but playing the game for real may be a challenge. That has to be taught on a personal level.

There are trainign videos that are beneficial. Workout videos serve a wonderful purpose for those of us who cannot get to the gym to take a pilates class. And you get to work out in the comfort of your own home. There are videos for coaches which show workout and stretching moves that will not hurt young athletes. These are beneficial videos.

In the end, if "how to" sports videos are to be used, it may be best to show them in team meetings instead of individually. Coaches and parents should use the videos as a learning tool that goes hand in hand with on the field training.