At Hardwood Hustle we believe development, growth and success goes far beyond the basketball court. We want our hustlers to feel supported and seen in all avenues of their life. At the heart of Hardwood Hustle our goal is for athletes to learn to be the best versions of themselves through challenges and successes they may endure on and off the court.
We see our hustlers determined to improve their skills. The multiple days a week, practices. Sometimes even multiple times a day workouts. The resilience to keep pushing themselves to learn a new move, to refine their shot, or make progress with their handles.
We also see the anxiety the day before a big game, the frustration after a mistake, the doubt that creeps in after a challenging game or practice, hear the negative self-talk after a few missed reps, and witness the aim to be perfect.
And we also see that behind every player navigating these moments is a parent supporting them the best way they know how. We know that the parents are the starting point for the athlete to set the tone for how to attack these challenges. The conversations after a tough game. The energy given to a player before a game is played. The way that mistakes on and off the court are handled at home. These moments all shape the confidence of players, just as much as practice and big games do athletes.
To help families and parents navigate these important moments for their athlete we have created the:
Parent Playbook
This blog series isn’t about game play conversations after games. Or how to break down film with your young athlete. It will be about special conversations at the kitchen table. Post game conversations during the car ride home. The tone you set to help after a loss or a big win. The reassurance you can give your child when they may feel like they are falling apart.
Because- longgg after your child is done playing basketball or sports (which there will come a day!)…
What will stay with an athlete for the rest of their life, is how they felt & how we made them feel.
Did they feel supported?
Did they feel heard?
Did they feel valued for much more than their athletic performance?
The Parent Playbook will focus on the mental and emotional side of athletics. We will discus handling pressure, making mistakes, building confidence, managing expectations, keeping the joy in the game and much more.
The ultimate goal of the Parent Playbook is to help parents and families feel equipped, supported, and empowered in nurturing the the whole athlete, on and beyond the court.
You never need to have all the answers. You do not need to be perfect. What matters most is being present and hearing your athlete. When athletes know they are much more valued for who they are outside of their sport, they will carry that importance with them forever.
The Parent Playbook is our way of pouring into the the families that help make the growth of our hustlers possible. They wouldn’t be where they are at without you! We are so grateful to be part of your athlete’s and now families journey to the mental side of the game. We’re thankful to be in this together.
