Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve had several conversations with parents of young athletes between the ages of 5 and 8, and a common theme keeps showing up.
They’re disappointed.
- Not because their child lacks talent.
- Not because they don’t love the game.
- Not because the parents aren’t willing to invest.
They’re disappointed because they keep hearing one phrase that sounds good, but doesn’t provide clarity:
“Trust the process.”
The problem is simple.
Most families are being asked to trust a process that has never been clearly defined.
And while these conversations have centered around younger kids, this is not just a 5 to 8-year-old issue. I’ve coached athletes across every level, including teenagers and professionals, and I can tell you this with confidence:
Poor development early becomes frustration later.
Development Requires More Than Time
Many people believe development is automatic if you just “play long enough.”
But time alone doesn’t develop athletes.
Paint dries with time too, but paint only dries properly when it is applied properly, layered properly and protected from being tampered with.
Athlete development works the same way.
It requires structure, standards, and age-appropriate progression.
Technical vs. Tactical Development
One of the biggest gaps in youth sports is that many programs don’t clearly separate the two sides of development:
Technical development is fundamentals and mechanics.
Tactical development is decision-making, mindset and the ability to adjust under pressure.
This is where my 8 A’s Framework becomes critical:
- Attitude
- Awareness
- Adjustment
- Adaptability
- Aptitude
- Athleticism
- Aggressiveness
- Assertiveness
The Conversion Months Are Here
I call February, March and April the Conversion Months because this is when athletes must convert training into real growth.
Because at every level, the truth remains the same:
- Talent is what you do well.
- Habits are what you do well repeatedly without thought.
- Skills are what you do well repeatedly without thought while under stress.
And skills pay bills.
Parents Must Become Co-Advocates, Not Consumers
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is this:
- Parents can’t afford to be passive in the development process.
- They have to become informed, intentional and involved.
- Not as overbearing sideline coaches.
But as co-advocates for their child’s growth.
That is why I’ve created a parent development workbook designed to give families clarity, language and structure, along with workshops that can be delivered both in person and online.
More information is coming soon on how parents can get in the game through these resources.
Because the future of youth sports will not be changed by slogans.
It will be changed by parents who are willing to put in the work.
Remember: Intelligence tops being smart.
For more information, visit www.diamonddirectors.com today.
If you found this inspiring and thought-provoking, or if you have any questions, comments or concerns, add me on Discord and let’s go deeper.
C.J. Stewart has built a reputation as one of the leading professional hitting instructors in the country. He is a former professional baseball player in the Chicago Cubs organization and has also served as an associate scout for the Cincinnati Reds. As founder and CEO of Diamond Directors Player Development, C.J. has more than 22 years of player development experience and has built an impressive list of clients, including some of the top young prospects in baseball today. If your desire is to change your game for the better, C.J. Stewart has a proven system of development and a track record of success that can work for you.
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