re: ULL Coach Robichaux discusses "Daddy Ball"

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because I had so much fun playing sports when I was younger once my dad backed off.

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Exactly how it was with me

My dad played baseball and football in college and minor league ball so he was successful. But with me he was very hands off. Never pushed me. If I asked him to play catch with me or help me with my pitching or do soft toss in the backyard or take me to the cages or throw the football to me he would do it. But only if I asked.

And I ended up enjoying sports when I grew up. Never viewed it as a chore or obligation. I wanted to get better because I wanted to, not because my dad made me.

A kid having a life outside of sports is important. I played football in the fall, basketball in the winter, baseball in the spring and summer. But having time to be a kid and play outside and ride bikes and get dirty and swim and play video games all of that is still important. If a kid has to do something too much he eventually views it as a chore.