pytallman

When Parents Have FOMO in Youth Sports

“Mom, why didn’t you put me in baseball when I was six?” My ten year-old’s words swirled through the air as we made our way through the parking lot after an evening little league game. I lost myself in thoughts playing rapid fire in my brain. Did I rob him of precious reps by notContinue reading “When Parents Have FOMO in Youth Sports”

Chicken and Broccoli: Putting Whole Thoughts Into Your Mind

Location: Durham, North Carolina. Date: Late November/Early December, 1994 Event: worst game of my collegiate career. There are only two details I remember about this match. That I played the absolute worst match of my collegiate career and the epic tantrum I threw in the locker room after. Now, if you want details of saidContinue reading “Chicken and Broccoli: Putting Whole Thoughts Into Your Mind”

Diagnosis. Human: A Story of Childhood Anxiety.

I try to keep this blog to sports content as much as possible, but the truth is, I’m not just a former athlete, mom and wife, turned coach … I’m also just a regular person with regular issues and stuff I deal with like everyone else. I don’t have all the answers, but I doContinue reading “Diagnosis. Human: A Story of Childhood Anxiety.”

Why I Like Training “By Myself”

There are two times my brain is quiet and still: when I’m sleeping when I’m training. See, I’m a processor. I am constantly taking in information whether spoken or sensory or relational dynamics or environmental or that mosquito that just landed on your leg and now I’m focused on … (slap. sorry). I don’t tryContinue reading “Why I Like Training “By Myself””

I’m Not Anxious, You’re Anxious: 3 Tips For Athletes (Who Aren’t Anxious)

Anxiety is a normal human process. We inherited it from our ancestors who needed it to survive in a pre-historic era of actual, constant danger. Our ancestors, however, weren’t anxious because a bear or lion gave them the side eye, trashed their loin cloth on social media or because they didn’t want to miss theContinue reading “I’m Not Anxious, You’re Anxious: 3 Tips For Athletes (Who Aren’t Anxious)”

Coaches in China Shops – What’s Your Role in Coaching Youth Sports?

Two years ago, I made the decision to get back into coaching. I didn’t come from a particularly decorated coaching career (if you can even call it that). A short three-year stint as a club coach in Southern California for a 16-3’s team and one season as the 4th assistant at Long Beach State (basicallyContinue reading “Coaches in China Shops – What’s Your Role in Coaching Youth Sports?”

Identity and Self-Worth in Sports

This is not another article about how you are more than your sport. This is not a post about how identifying with your sport is a bad thing and that you need to find balance. This is a post about you, having made an informed decision to play/commit to a sport you love, are (yes)Continue reading “Identity and Self-Worth in Sports”

Is it Really Burnout?

At the beginning of this year, we pulled the plug on Tae Kwon Do for our kids. We first started it for my son, who was four at the time, because it was recommended to us by our Occupational Therapist as a way to gain body awareness and develop some core strength. I was game,Continue reading “Is it Really Burnout?”

5 Things That Haven’t Changed About Volleyball

Six rotation outside hitters. Liberos, defensive specialists. Contesting a play to reverse the call. Sideout scoring. Jump float. Kick saves. Number of substitutions. Purple cards. It’s safe to say our sport has changed quite a bit in the past decade. As a former player turned coach who has been told way too many times “thingsContinue reading “5 Things That Haven’t Changed About Volleyball”

1996

“So, why were you coaching that camp at Ohio State anyway?” Oh, that’s easy. I was pouting. At least that’s what I told the coach who asked me that question a couple of weeks ago at another volleyball camp now twenty years later. But after I answered that question, I got to thinking and thinkingContinue reading “1996”