Why do kids quit baseball?

1. It's no longer fun.

Players are never too old or talented to ask them; "Are you having fun out there?" It's possible to coach them up and yet still make sure they are enjoying being out there. It's gotta be fun or why will they want to keep coming back?

2. They lost ownership of the experience.

We can't over coach on every play and scrutinize every single mistake. Why do kids play video games for 15 hours straight? There isn't an adult breathing down there neck every second telling them what they did wrong. That's not to say there isn't a place for great coaching and teaching. But as coaches it's a balance that we need to be mindful of.

3. The don't get playing time.

You pick them, you play them. There have been numerous studies about kids who would rather play on a losing team than sit the bench on a winning team.

4. They are afraid to make mistakes.

Coaches and parents who keep a running commentary going on the sideline, second guessing every decision and action players take, and yelling at players for trying their best and failing, create a culture of fear that drives players out of the game. As coaches we need to praise the reaction to failure and create a safe to fail environment. Only then can the players truly grow.

5. They feel disrespected.

Follow the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Respect the effort, focus and courage it takes for a child to play sports in our “youth sports as entertainment” culture. Give them the respect they have earned simply for being on field.