Friday, April 1, 2022

Goalie Training Take 2

Thank God, session #2 went better. 

I'd talked Shane up beforehand. I hadn't said things like "You're the best" or "You'll be awesome." I did say that he could do it and that his attitude would be what decided things. As long as he went in with open eyes, ears, and mind (with a closed mouth) he'd make something of it. And whatever happened, he was tough. There were only 4 more sessions we could attend. I told Shane he'd already improved so much as a goalie over the years. I said I was proud of him and of his ability to get back up and try again. 

Plus, I showed him the book he'd asked for.


I wasn't going to fail to deliver on a deal. We'd pick up Chic-Fil-A afterward, too.

I want to believe it was my wise and loving words, but those last two bits are probably what helped Shane's attitude the most.

He marched off ready for battle.


Training had moved this week to a new place on the field. I should have brought my binoculars instead of my phone's camera.


There was a different coach this time. Shane seemed like he was going with the flow of things. Without the ability to hear and film, I would have gone back to the car anyway, but Carrie had a special task for me. I had to run to Costco before we went out of town (I feel like I'm often doing two things at once).

When I got back to practice the kids were playing a passing game of some sort. It made sense to me a goalie coach would focus on the hands. 


Shane was hanging back more than other kids and I was a little worried, but I felt encouraged when I saw him jump in the fray several times (and heard him make noises).


Shane marched off the field looking much better when practice ended. He told me he'd played the role of quiet and it went so well that it "freaked other kids out."

There's probably a grain of truth about him being quieter. There was a definite ring of truth to him feeling better about how it all went. Last time, it was "I hate this!" and "This was supposed to be fun. This wasn't fun!" This time it was all smiles and a few happy sentences before Shane asked about his rewards (Which I happily handed over).

I didn't offer another bribe. The hope is that the practice is its own reward. I want Shane to enjoy the training and then see some sort of payoff in his performance in game (win or lose!). 

I feel much better about signing Shane up for the training now. I hope it goes just as well next time.

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