Kids and Sports A Tom Kuyper Website

Not too many things surprise me anymore with youth sports, but I have to admit that two questions came to mind this past week: 1. Why a high school with “St. Mary’s” in its name would call themselves the Blue Devils? 2. How can the national high school baseball’s longest winning streak be held by a small high school in ... Read More »

Mr. Kuyper, I have enjoyed your articles about kids in sports. Sometimes the coaches and parents need to think outside the box. Quick story: In 1970 I was an 18-year-old airman living on the air force base. I read an article in the base paper that coaches were needed for the Little League season. Living in the barracks and working ... Read More »

Another great column Tom. I just wish you wrote more often. I agree completely with your thoughts on having kids play up. As a volleyball player I had chances to play on teams where I was the seventh or eighth guy. I got to practice with the best players around and got to compete against great players (when I could ... Read More »

Dear Tom, I was a coach for my son in 1988. He was on an 11 and 12-year-old team in Deer Park, NY, which is on Long Island. As a coach before the season we pick the kids to be on our teams every year. I got lucky and on paper we had a very good team and was expected ... Read More »

Sometimes it just doesn’t help! Sometimes forcing your kids to play at a higher level than where they really are just isn’t helpful. So, to those pushy, overzealous parents, take heed to these words: Sometimes it just doesn’t help! I have watched it happen too many times and it happened again a few weeks ago at basketball camp; a dad ... Read More »

Dear Mr. Kuyper, I am a big fan of your kids and sports articles. I have two boys, 8 and 10, who are very active in sports. My husband also manages and assists their teams. I appreciate your input and advice about all aspects of sports. The other night I witnessed a little league game that brought everything you write ... Read More »