Tryout Results

Well, I got a call today for DS#2 and I know that he is going to be VERY disappointed. He didn't even make what I was calling the "C" team. Both the C and D teams are DII (Division II) teams but C has some of his friends from his prior team on it and he is on the "D" team (actually called "Black" --the teams are named by year, and go year, year blue, year white, year black).

I am disappointed too, and I think a large part of the placement came on Tuesday night when he was grouped with kids of a lower skill level, unfortunately, he played sluggish and down to their skill level. It is also related to how they split the teams up, DS#2 has already specialized himself as a defender as it is where he is most comfortable, his 3 friends are all mostly defenders too, a team can't have just defenders.

My goal is to stay positive and encouraging. I will offer to help coach him and train him during the summer and to be his team manager so that he knows he has my support and help during the season. I guess the other positive element is that I know he will be one of the strongest players on the team and, therefore, get much more playtime than if he was placed on a higher team. DS#2 lacks self-confidence and aggression on the ball and maybe playing with people of a lower level will help build confidence and allow him to be more aggressive. DS#2 hasn't been one of the "studs" on his team for several years, now he will be again. He didn't used to respond to me well as his coach. Now that he is a bit older, he might listen more when I try to teach him things in the backyard or at the park.

I am going to use this an excuse to spend more time with him and "hang out" a bit. Maybe we won't drive each other crazy.

Well, it is almost time for me to go pick up DD for her National Piano Guild Audition. I have to pull her out of school early so she can change and go play before the judges. Then I need to get home and break the news to DS#2 and hope that I can spin it so he stays positive about himself and his new team. Then DS#2 has guitar lessons. After that DS#1 has soccer practice. I am thinking about taking DS#2 out to eat or get ice cream during DS#1's practice. Fortunately, my in-laws are here so I can be a bit more relaxed about some of the various activities the next few days.