welcome to coach derek’s blog!

Meet Coach Derek! Coach Derek Locklear’s philosophy of teaching kids life lessons that last even when the game has ended comes from over 18 years teaching and coaching experience – and that’s after 20 years of experience being the player.

Coach Derek played basketball and baseball at Central Cabarrus High School in North Carolina, going on to play college baseball at Montreat Anderson in North Carolina. He was a two-time MVP and All-Conference Player, but most of all, he learned that it’s not worth it if you don’t apply those field lessons to life. And most definitely not worth it if it’s not fun getting there.

Coach Derek is more than a sports coach, he’s also a life coach. His insightful and enthusiastic personality motivates children to learn about teamwork, sportsmanship, determination and self-esteem. And he inspires kids to look within themselves:

“I coach to teach something that goes beyond simply winning. I feel that if a child has a dream to get to the next level in his or her sport, then I want to play a part in helping them see that dream come true. Most of all, I believe that there are important principles to be learned from winning and losing.”

Coach Derek Locklear

Written on September 12th, 2011 , sports & fun!
Mom and Dad what is the rush?

I have often said this and well I am saying it again, I do not have kids of my own but if I did….

They would not start league play until at least 8 yrs. old and here are a few reasons why

1- What is the rush mu hope is that my kid or kids play for many many years and if that is the case do I really want to start at 4? The answer to that is NO!

2- If my child is getting the proper FUN-da-mentals in all sports and he or she is having fun playing those sports then why run the risk of having CRAZY parents ruin everything I have worked so hard to build?

3- Just because there is a league ready to take my child, my money and my time does not mean my child is emotionally or mentally ready for the craziness that is bound to ensue.

I hope that we as adults/coaches/parents/volunteers are not playing the game of KEEPING UP WITH THE JONES and therefore placing our children in competitive situations “Just because they are”

My hope is that we all understand that just because your child has all the skills to perform at a sport does not mean he or she is ready for the screaming and the BAD behavior that comes with 2 teams playing against each other for a trophy.

My hope is that we understand that just because a Adult gives of their time does not mean they are a GOOD coach.

Thanks for the time and I will type soon

Leave A Comment, Written on February 15th, 2012 , sports & fun!
business profile

by Jennifer Evans

Teaching a dozen two- and three-year-olds to kick a ball into the goal or swing a bat can seem nearly impossible, but the coaches of Coach Derek’s sports program make it look easy and even fun.

“Up like a rocket, down like a soldier,” Coach Derek yells to his diapered athletes when teaching them jumping jacks. “Now let’s all run to the fence!”

Learning the basics of kicking a soccer ball, holding a bat or shooting a basket all while having fun and getting some exercise is the name of the game if you’re part of Coach Derek’s program.

When Derek Locklear started his children’s sports program in 2002, he did it with the intent of giving children an opportunity to learn the basics in a positive, non-competitive environment while also learning self-respect and teamwork. “When I first started I couldn’t imagine how I would be able to get two- and three-year-olds to follow directions enough to where they would actually be learning the sport,” Locklear said. “But I am constantly amazed at the kids and what they are capable of and how quickly they learn.”

Coach Derek’s program offers individual and group sports training to children of any age and skill level. Currently, the children’s group classes for 2- to 14-year-olds are run through the cities of Palos Verdes Estates, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, El Segundo, Marina Del Rey and Playa Vista. Each summer session is eight weeks long with sessions running either in the morning or afternoon. All classes have no more than 12 kids, are divided by age group and include soccer, T-ball and basketball.

Besides the “All Sports” programs that are year-round, Coach Derek also is available for birthday parties, play dates and private coaching. “We want to reach as many kids as we can,” “We are working on incorporating tennis and eventually volleyball into the curriculum as well”

All the coaches on Coach Derek’s team are CPR certified and have a background in playing either college-level or competitive athletics. But most important, Locklear requires that all of them like kids.

“OK guys, everyone say oh yaa,” Locklear yells, and all children happily repeat after him. “Now say boo yaa.”

“Boo yaa!” the children yell while kicking their ball.

For more information visit www.coachderek.com.

Leave A Comment, Written on October 8th, 2011 , contributing authors
Does your child want to join a team.. or do YOU want him to?

Hello! I’m Coach Derek from Coach Derek Inc.

You can imagine, after 20 years of coaching youth sports from the ages of 2-14, I get asked a lot of questions and I am more than happy to help in any way I can. However, here are a couple of questions I have for you..

1) Does your child want to join a team?
or..
2) Do You want your child to join a team?

If you have an answer to these questions then you are off to a much better start than most parents.

Let’s say it’s your child who wants to play. Ok, great.

Now, does your child know the basics?
Read the rest of this entry »

Leave A Comment, Written on September 13th, 2011 , fundamentals
Is my little boy too wimpy & my little girl to girly.. to play sports?

I get asked this question all the time and in my 20 years of coaching my answer hasn’t changed!
A big loud southern “NO”.

Folks, we are dealing with children ages 2-5 they are just beginning to experience relationships with other people and embark on their on own character development, let alone figure out tough to be on the ball field.
 
It floors me when I see a mom or dad yelling at their young children to push harder, run faster and be more aggressive. Is that really what you want form your little 4 year old, to be more aggressive?

With Coach Derek Inc. classes we try to create a safe, non-aggressive, non-competitive environment so your small children can experience various sports for the shear enjoyment, recreation and skill development. If you keep your kids playing in a healthy environment like my classes (SP, that’s for Shameless Plug), they will learn to have fun with sports, which is what will keep them coming back for more. The rest will come as they get the hang of sports.

There is a time and place for healthy competition and aggression, but it’s not on a Tuesday at an 11am class with 3 and 4 year old boys and girls.

Folks, this is the time for our children to learn about winning and losing, no matter what.
The question we have to keep asking ourselves and our kids is: “Are you having fun?”
Read the rest of this entry »

Leave A Comment, Written on September 12th, 2011 , fundamentals
<< Older Entries

Coach Derek Youth Sports California is proudly powered by WordPress and the Theme Adventure by Eric Schwarz
Entries (RSS) and Comments (RSS).

Coach Derek Youth Sports California

…field lessons inspiring life lessons.