[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by loners4me

First let me apologize if this is the wrong forum but frankly its the only message board I visit.

I have an 8 year old son who is playing organized basketball for the first time. The problem is he lacks any competitive drive. He says he enjoys it but doesn't care about wins/losses, if his defender scores or if he even touches the ball. (same thing in football and baseball)

I have always used positive reinforcement and words of encouragement. For instance, I will say things like "awesome job today, we just need to work on your footwork a bit. His reply... Dad I dont care if my guy scores.....are we gonna have snack after this?



Some of you veteran officials must have encountered the same thing with your sons. Do I let him do his own thing? Will he get more competitive? Do I push more/less?


I try to take him to my younger games so he can watch older kids but he sits in the stands and plays his Nintendo. When asked he doesn't even care who wins or loses.

Any ideas???

He is only 8 years old. Let him be. He will get competitive when he is ready.

MTD, Sr.