Having coached youth sports basketball, baseball and now softball, I've learned how important it is to have realistic expectations, and to celebrate small accomplishments. Working with kids who are learning the fundamentals, as a coach you can't, and shouldn't, take anything for granted.

Remember what it was like when you were learning the sport -- or anything new for that matter. It takes time to become good at anything, so rather than be upset by fielding or baserunning errors, focus on catching your players doing something good, and celebrate those moments with them.

These moments, be they a first hit, catching a pop fly, or turning a ground ball into an out, are special to your players, as evidenced by their smiles. Praising them for such plays increases their confidence, which makes them more likely to succeed the next time as well.

Working with young kids and/or those relatively new to a sport provide many teaching moments. You want to show your players the right way to do things and correct mistakes, but in as positive a manner as possible. Yelling and screaming is harmful not only to the player in question but to the entire team, as all players will fear a similar fate upon making a mistake.

Conversely, sharing your players' joy as they make plays and improve is what coaching is all about. After all, the more fun your players have the more excited they are going to be about participating, which should be what you and they are trying to achive in the first place.

It's easy to get caught up in winning and other issues head coaches on any level face, but keep in mind it's only a game, and games are meant to be fun.