Raging Dad

The Elks cut loose!

This weekend hosted the final games of my soccer team, The Elks. After six weeks of training, I have to say that the kids really improved in their game and I had a great time.

When I told my friends I was going to be coaching five- and six-year-olds, everyone said to watch out for the parents, ’cause they’ll be harder than the kids. Well, that wasn’t true at all. I told them at the first practice that I didn’t want any of those psychotic parents who holler at the kids from the sidelines and get into fights with other parents. Actually, I didn’t really care about the intra-parental fighting, I just didn’t want to get punched and preferred that none of the kids got hurt on my watch. Beat the hell out of them after practice. Either they listened, or I had some cool ‘rents.

A few of the kids were awesome little players, and a few were picking dandelions. All together, they engaged in the timeless activity of swarm ball. Wherever the ball goes, they shall run and follow. I think mathematical theorists could have studied my team for their chaotic data. Regardless, they all played their hearts out and seemed to have fun, which I guess was the point of it all. I hope they all learned a little something about the game, or about themselves.

Connie, pulling out jives and jamboree handouts

I didn’t intend on being a Raging Coach, but a shortage of volunteers forced me to take on head coach responsibility. It was a lot of work. I had to research and plan out drills and practice sessions, and I’ll be honest, that was not easy. I had to figure out how long my pace was, so I could measure a field out. [I can has yardstik?] I had to dig back into the recesses of my brain to find my love soccer, which I am glad to say is very much still alive.

Connie had a great season, and I loved being her coach. Somehow, she seems to have a natural athletic talent. So she’s got looks, smarts AND game! Dang, girl. Good work.

We are trying to decide if I will coach in the fall. I probably will, as I learned quite a bit myself. For example, I learned that I really enjoy coaching kids. I also learned that my patience can be tested by other people’s children, just as it is by my own. I actually think I discovered a few tricks that I have in turn used at home to be more patient with the boys, which is good because Raging Mom says that the boys are already excited about playing on my team when they are old enough. So, I’ve got some preparing to do… Maybe I should take up yoga or meditation or heroin?

One more cheer: Gooooo Elks!

Song of the day: “Where It’s At,” by Beck.

Filed under: raging thoughts Tagged: | coaching, patience, soccer