Motivating Young Basketball Players

 


Randy Eastburg, a construction business owner in Texas, enjoys watching sports and spending time with his children. Randy Eastburg has combined these interests as a coach for his children's basketball teams. One team won several state championships and another achieved high standings in national competition.

The key to successfully coaching youth basketball lies in maintaining a healthy balance between fun and skill development. Without both elements in place, many children will not put in the effort that leads to a sense of improvement and accomplishment. It is therefore crucial for the coach to model a positive attitude and enjoyment of the game, as this sets the atmosphere of each practice.

Young basketball players also respond well to verbal praise, both for accomplishment and for effort. In addition, this provides the coach with an opportunity to sandwich a suggestion for improvement in between compliments. Particularly hard work can prompt a public compliment, which can motivate other players to strive for such a compliment of their own.

Coaches should always remember that each player must feel like a valued part of the team. It is important to distribute praise evenly and even more so to emphasize the achievement of group goals. If players are invested in their friends' success, they may be increasingly motivated to work on their own skills and to participate fully in each practice.

American Quarter Horse - Build and Disposition

An experienced business owner, Randy Eastburg has led Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction in Flower Mound, Texas, as owner and operator since 2010. As a former breeder and owner of quarter horses, Randy Eastburg remains an aficionado of horse racing in his free time.

The ancestry of the American quarter horse dates back to the country's early days, when settlers bred English stock with those from Spain. The resultant breed had a muscular and sturdy build, which in turn made the animal a strong work horse as well as a high-speed runner. To this day, the quarter horse remains a popular breed for racing, polo, and show jumping as well as agricultural work and hunting.

The quarter horse has demonstrated a particular aptitude for working with cattle, and as a result it has become a highly desirable breed in ranching and on rodeo circuits. Even-tempered with people as well, the breed combines reliable solidness with the agility of more temperamental breeds. For this reason, it remains a popular choice for owners, riders, and handlers in almost any discipline.

Motorcycle Safety Tips for Beginners

As owner of Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction in Texas, Randy Eastburg oversees the work of employers and sub-contractors at a variety of job sites. Randy Eastburg balances these duties with active leisure time, which includes riding on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Although motorcycle riding is by nature a risky activity, the savvy rider can manage this risk by riding responsibly. For example, 48 percent of all fatal accidents in 2010 involved excessive speed, and riding without a helmet increases one's risk of a deadly head injury by as much as 40 percent. By riding at a safe speed and with the proper protection, the motorcycle enthusiast can significantly reduce the risk of a dangerous crash.

Riders can also protect themselves by attending a skills development course. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation, for example, offers classes that teach basic and advanced riding techniques as well as evasive maneuvers that can help the rider to respond to a dangerous situation. Such maneuvers can be highly useful should the unexpected happen, though they cannot replace defensive driving.

The defensive driver keeps a safe distance from other vehicles, avoids riding in bad weather, and remains aware of surroundings at all times. He or she also keeps lights running and wears visible clothing to improve the bike's visibility. The best clothing for riding offers full coverage and structural reinforcement to protect the body in case of a fall, just as a helmet visor or goggles protect the eyes.